28 reviews
Greetings again from the darkness. "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." "I don't want to be a star, I wants to be a legend." The first quote comes from THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE and the second is drawled by Blaze Foley as he snuggles with his muse and lover in the back of a pickup truck. We can imagine the first quote inspired many stories over the years by those who knew Blaze, and it might also have served as a driving force for writer/director Ethan Hawke as he crafted this graceful tribute to an underappreciated songwriter and his too short life.
Mr. Hawke is a 2-time Oscar nominee as an actor, and his best known previous turn as director was for CHELSEA WALLS (2001). He (a distant relative of Tennessee Williams) has also been twice Oscar nominated as a writer (BEFORE SUNSET, BEFORE MIDNIGHT), and his movies are often music related or influenced. His latest is a biopic of a mostly unrecognized country-folk artist, and Hawke collaborated with Sybil Rosen to adapt her memoir "Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze Foley". It's Ms. Rosen who shared the bed of that pickup referenced in the first paragraph above.
Ben Dickey plays Blaze and Alia Shawkat plays Sybil. Not only does Dickey capture the spirit and sound of Foley's music, but the scenes with Blaze and Sybil as a couple are some of the most touching and realistic relationship sequences we've seen on screen. We understand their connection ... and their disconnection. It's proof that two people can be both 'made for each other' and 'wrong for each other'. Director Hawke utilizes different time periods, as well as a framing device in the form of a radio interview. None of this works in traditional biopic manner as the interview features the great troubadour and musical poet Townes Van Zandt (played exceptionally well by Charlie Sexton) recollecting the times (both good and bad) he spent with his friend Blaze. He's joined by another Foley friend and collaborator, Zee (Josh Hamilton) as the two color in the blanks to ensure the legendary status desired by Blaze. The DJ is voiced by Ethan Hawke, who is only seen from behind.
In addition to the radio interview and the relationship with Sybil, we also have multiple scenes of Blaze's final live show being recorded at the old Austin Outhouse. The nearly two hours of music and philosophizing were turned into a record release that remains (nearly 30 years later) a mesmerizing listen. These 3 very distinct pieces fit together to bring Blaze into focus as both a songwriter and troubled man - one who found himself in too many fights and, ultimately, on the wrong end of a gunshot in 1989.
Philosophy and homespun wisdom and catchphrases flow from Blaze during his songs and even when he's just hanging with his buddies or Sybil. The real Sybil Rosen plays her own mother in a scene where Blaze meets the parents, and there is a touching moment in the film where Blaze plays for his estranged dad (a wonderful, albeit brief performance from Kris Kristofferson), the founder of The Singing Fuller Family where Blaze got his musical start. It's these kind of touches that elevate the film into a must see whether you are familiar with Blaze Foley or not.
BLAZE FOLEY: DUCT TAPE MESSIAH is a 2011 documentary that would nicely compliment Mr. Hawke's film, although this version contains much more humor - including cameos by Steve Zahn, Richard Linklater and Sam Rockwell as Zephyr Records executives. With Louis Black (founder of SXSW and a former film class TA of yours truly) as an Executive Producer, and songs by Blaze Foley and Townes Van Zandt, this little gem is likely to awaken viewers to a bygone era of music that tends to be remembered only for Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff and Merle.
Mr. Hawke is a 2-time Oscar nominee as an actor, and his best known previous turn as director was for CHELSEA WALLS (2001). He (a distant relative of Tennessee Williams) has also been twice Oscar nominated as a writer (BEFORE SUNSET, BEFORE MIDNIGHT), and his movies are often music related or influenced. His latest is a biopic of a mostly unrecognized country-folk artist, and Hawke collaborated with Sybil Rosen to adapt her memoir "Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze Foley". It's Ms. Rosen who shared the bed of that pickup referenced in the first paragraph above.
Ben Dickey plays Blaze and Alia Shawkat plays Sybil. Not only does Dickey capture the spirit and sound of Foley's music, but the scenes with Blaze and Sybil as a couple are some of the most touching and realistic relationship sequences we've seen on screen. We understand their connection ... and their disconnection. It's proof that two people can be both 'made for each other' and 'wrong for each other'. Director Hawke utilizes different time periods, as well as a framing device in the form of a radio interview. None of this works in traditional biopic manner as the interview features the great troubadour and musical poet Townes Van Zandt (played exceptionally well by Charlie Sexton) recollecting the times (both good and bad) he spent with his friend Blaze. He's joined by another Foley friend and collaborator, Zee (Josh Hamilton) as the two color in the blanks to ensure the legendary status desired by Blaze. The DJ is voiced by Ethan Hawke, who is only seen from behind.
In addition to the radio interview and the relationship with Sybil, we also have multiple scenes of Blaze's final live show being recorded at the old Austin Outhouse. The nearly two hours of music and philosophizing were turned into a record release that remains (nearly 30 years later) a mesmerizing listen. These 3 very distinct pieces fit together to bring Blaze into focus as both a songwriter and troubled man - one who found himself in too many fights and, ultimately, on the wrong end of a gunshot in 1989.
Philosophy and homespun wisdom and catchphrases flow from Blaze during his songs and even when he's just hanging with his buddies or Sybil. The real Sybil Rosen plays her own mother in a scene where Blaze meets the parents, and there is a touching moment in the film where Blaze plays for his estranged dad (a wonderful, albeit brief performance from Kris Kristofferson), the founder of The Singing Fuller Family where Blaze got his musical start. It's these kind of touches that elevate the film into a must see whether you are familiar with Blaze Foley or not.
BLAZE FOLEY: DUCT TAPE MESSIAH is a 2011 documentary that would nicely compliment Mr. Hawke's film, although this version contains much more humor - including cameos by Steve Zahn, Richard Linklater and Sam Rockwell as Zephyr Records executives. With Louis Black (founder of SXSW and a former film class TA of yours truly) as an Executive Producer, and songs by Blaze Foley and Townes Van Zandt, this little gem is likely to awaken viewers to a bygone era of music that tends to be remembered only for Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff and Merle.
- ferguson-6
- Aug 20, 2018
- Permalink
I rarely write movie reviews, but this poignant film of the life, and music, of Blaze Foley compelled me to sit down and do so while the memory of it is still fresh in my mind. The movie evoked memories of lost simpler times in Austin, when one could buy a cheap pitcher of beer in some rustic venue and stay out all night listening to music performed by folks who would go on to become legends. Two of those legends, Blaze Foley, powerfully portrayed by Ben Dickey, and Townes Van Zandt, brought brilliantly to life by Charlie Sexton, are deeply interwoven into the tale of Austin's music scene, so if you need a reminder of what drew you to Austin in the first place, or are just the least bit curious about Austin's music heritage and beginnings, this is the movie for you. The music alone is worth the price of admission.
- smolen-91724
- Sep 2, 2018
- Permalink
- Hillegeistrn
- Aug 24, 2018
- Permalink
As far as modern movie musicals of 2018 go, this is the best one of the year. It's quite slow at times but never lags, because of its great editing, jumping between different temporal narratives.
We are told the true life story of folk singer Blaze Foley, who is played magnificently by Ben Dickey. Blaze is as charming as he is obnoxious, but sings like an angel who's had one whisky and a pack of smokes too many, and at times he let's us glance at his emotional core which makes one forgive him all his many, many character flaws.
A good film worth watching. Recommended.
We are told the true life story of folk singer Blaze Foley, who is played magnificently by Ben Dickey. Blaze is as charming as he is obnoxious, but sings like an angel who's had one whisky and a pack of smokes too many, and at times he let's us glance at his emotional core which makes one forgive him all his many, many character flaws.
A good film worth watching. Recommended.
- oscarvonseth
- Nov 9, 2018
- Permalink
Blaze is an affectionately told story of songwriter Blaze Foley from the perspective of his wife, who wrote a memoir about him and co-wrote the screenplay with Ethan Hawke. As a result it is very personal, intimate and delicate, especially the love that Blaze and Sybil share. Their time together in the treehouse in the forest, when Blaze begins to write songs, when he conceives his public name, is very much about the opening of two human hearts and though Blaze talks about wanting to be a legend, there are no legends being depicted here just genuine feeling beings learning to express the delicate and precious parts of themselves. Sybil encourages Blaze to share his songs with the world and so they venture out of their intimate paradise.
The world is a bit harder and meaner and Blaze and his crew of singer-songwriters, including Townes Van Sandt, drink excessively. The film certainly does not take a moralistic view of this, but the damage it does to them and their interaction with the world is obvious. Ben Dickey as Blaze is an extremely nuanced and heartfelt performance. He loves with all of himself and he even hides his gifts with the same passion.
There are not many recordings of Blaze in existence, and it is the love of his friends that allows anything of the man's music to have survived. If the film communicates anything above the very moving and involving human drama, it suggests patience, respect and compassion for those on stage trying to communicate something with us that is complex, delicate and precious. Our world would be unliveable if people like Blaze did not risk their vulnerability to share their most gentle delicate parts with us. The attempted record company execs who tried to build a label around him didn't get it, though they must have recognised his talent. The audience didn't seem to get it, reacting to his anger and his defensiveness more than his music, but his friends did, and his lover certainly did. And so have the filmmakers, who offer us this delicate portrait in a way that can't be misunderstood, only felt.
The world is a bit harder and meaner and Blaze and his crew of singer-songwriters, including Townes Van Sandt, drink excessively. The film certainly does not take a moralistic view of this, but the damage it does to them and their interaction with the world is obvious. Ben Dickey as Blaze is an extremely nuanced and heartfelt performance. He loves with all of himself and he even hides his gifts with the same passion.
There are not many recordings of Blaze in existence, and it is the love of his friends that allows anything of the man's music to have survived. If the film communicates anything above the very moving and involving human drama, it suggests patience, respect and compassion for those on stage trying to communicate something with us that is complex, delicate and precious. Our world would be unliveable if people like Blaze did not risk their vulnerability to share their most gentle delicate parts with us. The attempted record company execs who tried to build a label around him didn't get it, though they must have recognised his talent. The audience didn't seem to get it, reacting to his anger and his defensiveness more than his music, but his friends did, and his lover certainly did. And so have the filmmakers, who offer us this delicate portrait in a way that can't be misunderstood, only felt.
- Quinoa_Chris_Kirk
- May 20, 2019
- Permalink
One of the best movies I have seen in a long time. This is such a touching and tragic story with a brilliant cast and performance. If you know of Blaze Foley or his music, watch the movie and revisit what you do know about this amazing man. Sybil Rosen, and Ethan Hawke especially, thank you for sharing this story and film with the world.
- gabenugent
- Dec 12, 2018
- Permalink
I remember when Blaze Foley died. As an Austin resident, his murder and funeral were covered in the local newspaper. It was a bit of a big deal. He was only 39.
In this film, Blaze (born Michael David Fuller in Malvern, Arkansas) is portrayed by fellow Arkansan, musician-actor Ben Dickey, from Little Rock. Dickey represents Blaze and his music to perfection.
Charlie Sexton, older brother to Will, both local guitar legends, plays Blaze's late friend, Townes Van Zandt, and also serves as principal narrator of Blaze's life in the years of Blaze's professional life covered by the film.
Also herein, 'Blaze' and 'Townes' perform the worst duet of Townes's most famous song, "Pancho and Lefty," that I've ever heard as they're both drunk on stage in a bar.
On a bright side, director Ethan Hawke did a superb job of capturing the mood and atmosphere of Austin and Texas in those days as I remember them.
Blaze's ex/widow, Sybil Rosen, is portrayed in the movie by Alia Shawkat. There's a photo of them both together at an event for the movie in IMDb's photo collection for this entry.
In this film, Blaze (born Michael David Fuller in Malvern, Arkansas) is portrayed by fellow Arkansan, musician-actor Ben Dickey, from Little Rock. Dickey represents Blaze and his music to perfection.
Charlie Sexton, older brother to Will, both local guitar legends, plays Blaze's late friend, Townes Van Zandt, and also serves as principal narrator of Blaze's life in the years of Blaze's professional life covered by the film.
Also herein, 'Blaze' and 'Townes' perform the worst duet of Townes's most famous song, "Pancho and Lefty," that I've ever heard as they're both drunk on stage in a bar.
On a bright side, director Ethan Hawke did a superb job of capturing the mood and atmosphere of Austin and Texas in those days as I remember them.
Blaze's ex/widow, Sybil Rosen, is portrayed in the movie by Alia Shawkat. There's a photo of them both together at an event for the movie in IMDb's photo collection for this entry.
- HallmarkMovieBuff
- Jan 11, 2020
- Permalink
I mean it's a little slow, you can pause this and have dinner, come back and finish it up, but I don't think it's a bad thing.
You don't rush through a beautiful poem and then toss it aside!
And this is a beautiful film. The songs are very well crafted and Ben Dickey and Alia Shawkat give compelling performances.
Hawke is an adept film maker, his use of imagery was interesting and I felt he captured the laconic atmosphere of singer songwriter movement in the south during the seventies and eighties.
I bet Hawke could make a decent western, no problem.
If you have the time to invest and a interest in music this movie will reward you.
- jimmyjoe583
- Apr 15, 2019
- Permalink
- classicsoncall
- Sep 4, 2019
- Permalink
Maybe I watched a different movie than many of the pro critics who gave rave reviews to this biopic of singer/songwriter Blaze Foley. I'm a country music fan, so this isn't to question Foley's songwriting genius. But I just felt this icily paced and drawn out film did virtually nothing to illustrate to me how his songs ended up being recorded by some of the legends of country music.
On the positive side, Alia Shawkat was excellent in the role of Sybil Rosen, the ever supportive former wife of Foley's and on whose memoir the movie is based. Also, I thought Charlie Sexton gave a strong perfomance as Foley's friend and fellow musician Townes Van Zandt.
Overall, a disappointment from the most talented Ethan Hawke, who directed and co-wrote the biopic.
On the positive side, Alia Shawkat was excellent in the role of Sybil Rosen, the ever supportive former wife of Foley's and on whose memoir the movie is based. Also, I thought Charlie Sexton gave a strong perfomance as Foley's friend and fellow musician Townes Van Zandt.
Overall, a disappointment from the most talented Ethan Hawke, who directed and co-wrote the biopic.
I too had the pleasure of appreciating a Q&A with Ethan, Sybil and the actors playing Blaze and Townes. What a treat. Thank you Sybil for sharing your story and thank you Ethan for creating this sweet and sad small movie and introducing me to music and this story that I was unaware of.
So glad to be introduced to Blaze's story and most imporrtantly his musci. Amazing that this was Ben's acting debut - he was great too!
After many years in the industry, working with some of the best directors around and collaborating with some of the brightest actors of all-time has no doubt embedded actor/director Ethan Hawke with a healthy dose of film-making nuance.
Utilising his years' worth of skill development and expertise, Hawke has previously released feature films Chelsea Walls and The Hottest State, but with his newest venture Blaze, based around the true story of Texas musician Blaze Foley, Hawke has filmed a unique musical biopic with some memorable acting turns too truly make his mark behind the camera, not just in front of it.
With so many music founded biopics coming our way in all many shapes and forms, it's always special when a biopic with a different flavour finds its way into our viewing habitats and with its fresh delivery, eye capturing Southern America surrounds and standout lead performance from musician/actor Ben Dickey as Foley, Blaze is a fever dream like experience that may take a while to warm up to, but once it does, you will be under its charming spell.
Centred around a fateful live performance in Foley's career, a radio interview (with Hawke the hidden interviewer) with two of his band-mates who are reminiscing about the performer and Foley's dreamlike times with the love of his life Sybil (played energetically by Ali Shawkat), Blaze treads a path less trodden in its examination of a flawed but talented individual whose mark on the musical scene is still felt to this day.
With Foley living a far from normal lifestyle, moving from a home in the wilderness, couch hoping and living gig to gig, Hawke ensures Blaze feels like we are kept on the hop also, unable to feel comfortable with any run of the mill occurrences as Foley's tumultuous and ever-changing mindset and life become the very crux of the film.
Its off-putting at first, but before long you get swept up in the way in which Foley's story is unfolding before your eyes, feeling every ounce of passion in his songs, hurting at his pain that is so often evident to all and falling under the spell of a man that could be as charming as he was frustrating.
Due to this nature there are times we're it would've been nice to stop and smell the roses for a little longer, allowing us more emotional investment and knowledge gathering but with Foley's music front and centre and Dickey fully inhabiting a larger than life character with a plethora of heart and soul, the unique life of Foley is brilliantly bought to feature film life by Hawke, who quite clearly had a strong affiliation and care for his subject matter.
Final Say -
Far from a straight forward biopic of an anything but orthodox musician and person, Blaze is a strong new addition to Ethan Hawke's increasingly growing collection of cinematic wins that is bought to life by a wonderful understanding of its subject matter and an awards worthy turn from Ben Dickey.
3 ½ mid-gig fist fights out of 5
Utilising his years' worth of skill development and expertise, Hawke has previously released feature films Chelsea Walls and The Hottest State, but with his newest venture Blaze, based around the true story of Texas musician Blaze Foley, Hawke has filmed a unique musical biopic with some memorable acting turns too truly make his mark behind the camera, not just in front of it.
With so many music founded biopics coming our way in all many shapes and forms, it's always special when a biopic with a different flavour finds its way into our viewing habitats and with its fresh delivery, eye capturing Southern America surrounds and standout lead performance from musician/actor Ben Dickey as Foley, Blaze is a fever dream like experience that may take a while to warm up to, but once it does, you will be under its charming spell.
Centred around a fateful live performance in Foley's career, a radio interview (with Hawke the hidden interviewer) with two of his band-mates who are reminiscing about the performer and Foley's dreamlike times with the love of his life Sybil (played energetically by Ali Shawkat), Blaze treads a path less trodden in its examination of a flawed but talented individual whose mark on the musical scene is still felt to this day.
With Foley living a far from normal lifestyle, moving from a home in the wilderness, couch hoping and living gig to gig, Hawke ensures Blaze feels like we are kept on the hop also, unable to feel comfortable with any run of the mill occurrences as Foley's tumultuous and ever-changing mindset and life become the very crux of the film.
Its off-putting at first, but before long you get swept up in the way in which Foley's story is unfolding before your eyes, feeling every ounce of passion in his songs, hurting at his pain that is so often evident to all and falling under the spell of a man that could be as charming as he was frustrating.
Due to this nature there are times we're it would've been nice to stop and smell the roses for a little longer, allowing us more emotional investment and knowledge gathering but with Foley's music front and centre and Dickey fully inhabiting a larger than life character with a plethora of heart and soul, the unique life of Foley is brilliantly bought to feature film life by Hawke, who quite clearly had a strong affiliation and care for his subject matter.
Final Say -
Far from a straight forward biopic of an anything but orthodox musician and person, Blaze is a strong new addition to Ethan Hawke's increasingly growing collection of cinematic wins that is bought to life by a wonderful understanding of its subject matter and an awards worthy turn from Ben Dickey.
3 ½ mid-gig fist fights out of 5
- eddie_baggins
- Nov 3, 2019
- Permalink
They tried really hard to make the movie another star is born but nothing really happened.Everyone said the movie would make the viewer depressed but I'm now depressed because I couldn't find anything interesting and 120 minutes was wasted.
- sreeragmeppadath
- Apr 4, 2019
- Permalink
As a big fan of both Townes and Blaze, I knew Ethan Hawke would the perfect person to direct this, if not Linklater (who surprisingly was in the film!) You can tell he knows his Texas history down to a science and really treats the story with care and passion. It was honestly better than the 6.5 rating led me to believe. The acting from everyone was great and engaging. You could tell the budget was not huge but you wouldn't even have wanted it to be anyways with a story about a Blaze Foley. The lead actor also did an excellent job both singing and acting and really gave a great performance. Definitely recommend checking this out for any Blaze fans.
- justynbell
- Aug 3, 2023
- Permalink
- billybirdgibson
- May 24, 2019
- Permalink
A slow kind of movie if you feel like you're going to have a slow kind of day. I've always liked Ethan Hawks and he did a great job directing the movie. I've never heard of Blaze Foley before I saw the movie and I don't plan to ever hear about him again, but we'll worth the choice to see the film.
- davidepsteiniphone
- Sep 23, 2018
- Permalink
Absolute magic. The lead in this film is MAGICAL. The movie put me into tears and it will you too if you connect to these songs. The life of Blaze is similar to alot of us out there yet most of us don't have the spark of life that he lit the lyrics of his music with. Absolute magic in his words. Somehow Ben Dickey brings that to life in a way I've never seen an actor portray another artist, not even Phoenix doing Cash. Absolutely will blow you away if you know Blaze at all. The movie is perfect if you like this sort of story.
- believeinflight
- Dec 9, 2020
- Permalink
It's a biopic of Blaze Foley (Ben Dickey). Zee (Josh Hamilton) and Townes Van Zandt (Charlie Sexton) are being interviewed as they recount stories about Blaze. He is a singer-songwriter in the Texas outlaw music. He live in the woods with his girlfriend Sybil Rosen (Alia Shawkat).
This is written and directed by Ethan Hawke and adapted from a biography from Sybil Rosen. It's an outsider film or mumblecore or whatever indie subgenre despite some great actors doing minor roles. Kris Kristofferson is apparently making his last movie in this. I don't know anything about this singer or this type of music. Country is not my jam. It got interesting with the Jewish family and quickly told about the divorce. Before that, it's a slow meandering journey. After that, I am intrigued with the couple's eventual breakup. That is a more compelling driving force for the story than anything about his music.
This is written and directed by Ethan Hawke and adapted from a biography from Sybil Rosen. It's an outsider film or mumblecore or whatever indie subgenre despite some great actors doing minor roles. Kris Kristofferson is apparently making his last movie in this. I don't know anything about this singer or this type of music. Country is not my jam. It got interesting with the Jewish family and quickly told about the divorce. Before that, it's a slow meandering journey. After that, I am intrigued with the couple's eventual breakup. That is a more compelling driving force for the story than anything about his music.
- SnoopyStyle
- Jan 14, 2024
- Permalink
This movie is the pure essence of the legend who was Blaze Foley. If you don't get that and aren't a fan of the early days of anti Nashville singer songwriter stuff like Townes and John Prine; I don't know what to tell you. This film is fantastic and inspiring.
- hollowspacekc
- Feb 21, 2022
- Permalink
Ethan Hawke's third film as a director from 2018 is an engaging yet familiar biopic of Blaze Foley, a hard drinking, drug taking, polio surviving well regarded singer/songwriter who lived life burning the candles at both ends never garnering any kind of attention but the cult variety. Interspersed w/a radio DJ's (played by Hawke w/his back to the camera) interview w/2 of his Blaze's collaborators (played by Josh Hamilton & Charlie Sexton) as they catalog Blaze's rise (after gaining a following from a trio of oilmen played by Sam Rockwell, Steve Zahn & frequent Hawke director Richard Linklater who propose a record contract) & subsequent fall (not much of a fall more a 'wrong place/wrong time' kind of deal). Played w/low key charm by Ben Dickey, who does his own singing, the singer is as engaging warbling a tune as he is a brilliant raconteur. His one fall from shabby grace is his love of conflict (seen in his many spats w/his missus played Alia Shawkat who finally leaves him) fueled by a beer too many which soon starts to grate since its familiar territory & in this day & age anyone w/a passing interest into this kind of material will find reams of lists of notable personalities who never quite made it. Look for Kris Kristofferson as Blaze's father & Wyatt Russell (Kurt's son) as a theater friend of Shawkat's.
Literally one of the worst movies I've seen in the theater. The screenplay is terrible (no one talks like these people talk). The lead actor is terrible (it's apparently his fist acting job). The chronology is all over the place. The film is just BORING. I couldn't wait for it to be over, yet it just kept plodding along.
- lindseyrsimon
- Nov 3, 2018
- Permalink
Introduced to Blaze's music 35 years ago, before I knew who Blaze was. Until those I was listening to began to mention his name, I didn't have a clue it was his music they were playing. Townes was another; I never knew those two hung out together either.Ever since iTunes , now I have all his stuff. Thanks to the algorithms, Netflix knows what I like
Walked out. Really painfully boring. Was really just rooting for the untalented, unlikable, weird, mumbling, bumbling, uninspired Blaze to hurry up and die. Don't waste your time much less your money. Stay away. Stay at home and cut your toenails. I love most movies and this was terrible. Just awful. Unwatchable.
- loacton-187-953276
- Oct 6, 2018
- Permalink
The music is good in the film, but I just don't feel it. The non linear narrative confuses me a lot, and I don't quite understand the story. It doesn't quite help that I find it quite boring due to the slow pace.