The life and career of the Canadian singing legend are highlighted in this documentary.
The subject of this film is given a very worthy tribute. His vocal abilities alone are praiseworthy enough yet it is his song-writing skills that make him truly phenomenal. The latter point is exemplified in noting how many other recording stars used his songs for their own records and performances.
One of this film's greatest praises is its 1960s footage especially in the Yorkville district of Toronto. This renowned time and place is long gone and can never be recaptured as the district itself was long ago scooped up by real estate developers and speculators aided by politician sycophants with no regard to Toronto's cultural history (and we all know what killjoys those creatures are). The energy and attitude of this era -as shown in the film - are amazing and joyful and easily take the viewer down a happier lane of nostalgia. Interviews, past and present, of other great artists of the era also add a special touch.
Some of the best sections include Lightfoot discussing the creative process. With diva artists, such monologues can be a painful exercise in endurance. (The best cringeworthy examples occur during previews of upcoming films at Cineplex theatres.) But Lightfoot is so genuine that his monologues on the subject are mesmerizing.
There seems to be a theme lately relating to films about music stars who partied big-time during the indulgent 70s and who crashed in the 80s. Other examples include "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Freddie Mercury) and "Rocketman" (Elton John). "Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind" follows this path albeit in the documentary form. The film is clear about the booze troubles though it could have elaborated more on Gordon's troubled relationships with women for a more full picture.
The grandest touch is the film's conclusion: the great artist walking by himself out the backdoor of Toronto's Massey Hall, guitar case in hand, on a rather drab day with nobody in sight. Such modesty! Such brilliance! - dbamateurcritic.
The subject of this film is given a very worthy tribute. His vocal abilities alone are praiseworthy enough yet it is his song-writing skills that make him truly phenomenal. The latter point is exemplified in noting how many other recording stars used his songs for their own records and performances.
One of this film's greatest praises is its 1960s footage especially in the Yorkville district of Toronto. This renowned time and place is long gone and can never be recaptured as the district itself was long ago scooped up by real estate developers and speculators aided by politician sycophants with no regard to Toronto's cultural history (and we all know what killjoys those creatures are). The energy and attitude of this era -as shown in the film - are amazing and joyful and easily take the viewer down a happier lane of nostalgia. Interviews, past and present, of other great artists of the era also add a special touch.
Some of the best sections include Lightfoot discussing the creative process. With diva artists, such monologues can be a painful exercise in endurance. (The best cringeworthy examples occur during previews of upcoming films at Cineplex theatres.) But Lightfoot is so genuine that his monologues on the subject are mesmerizing.
There seems to be a theme lately relating to films about music stars who partied big-time during the indulgent 70s and who crashed in the 80s. Other examples include "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Freddie Mercury) and "Rocketman" (Elton John). "Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind" follows this path albeit in the documentary form. The film is clear about the booze troubles though it could have elaborated more on Gordon's troubled relationships with women for a more full picture.
The grandest touch is the film's conclusion: the great artist walking by himself out the backdoor of Toronto's Massey Hall, guitar case in hand, on a rather drab day with nobody in sight. Such modesty! Such brilliance! - dbamateurcritic.