Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010) User Reviews

First Rate Documentary about a First Rate Talent

[mambo771975 · 8/10 · 9 February 2006]

I saw this superb documentary at the Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival. It is extremely absorbing and very well crafted, drawing you into the life and career of Harry Nilsson, one of the most overlooked musical talents of the 1960's and 70's. While I was familiar with his better known compositions ("One is the Loneliest Number", "Without You"), I learned about this man's brilliant writing and beautiful singing. If you love music, you'll find plenty to draw you in to his world, which unfortunately spiraled out of control as his success increased and his past haunted him. However sad, he nonetheless was completely devoted to his family and you will find yourself so glad to have met this man. The profile is effectively told through Nilsson's own words and those of his friends and colleagues (a virtual Who's Who of Rock)who loved and respected him. Don't miss this!

Great account of Nilsson's life; great talking heads; but - make that BUT - not nearly enough music

[roland-104 · 7/10 · 9 January 2007]

Biodoc on the enigmatic singer/songwriter who, according to friends' accounts, spent the last 15 years of his relatively short life seemingly on a mission of self-destruction. He died at 52, overweight and dissipated, of heart disease, after a protracted rampage of virtually non-stop overindulgence in alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and cocaine, raucous partying, and flagrant misuse of his vocal instrument (he confided to a friend that he shouted out his lyrics at one performance with such force that spattered blood was left on the microphone).

All of this despite the fact that he was: (1) widely considered to have perhaps the most gifted pop singing ability of his generation; (2) successful, after years of effort, in terms of industry acclaim - a Grammy, an Oscar, a decent recording contract with a top label, and at least two stellar albums - 'Nilsson Schmilsson' (originals), and 'A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night' (standards); and (3) very happily married (for the third time), with a lovely young family that he seemed to adore.

The film's strengths begin with the completeness of its account of Nilsson's life, including fine use of archival film footage and many stills of Nilsson; the editors do an especially good job of bringing movement to the stills. We learn of his close ties to John Lennon and, later, Ringo Starr (Lennon often said that Nilsson was his favorite American musician).

Even more impressive are the talking heads, often a documentary's weakest aspect. Here we get people like Perry Botkin, Jr., Ray Cooper, Mickey Dolenz, Terry Gilliam, Mark Hudson, Eric Idle, Rick Jarrard, Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, Jimmy Webb and Robin Williams, all telling amazing stories about Nilsson – many uproariously funny, others deeply pathetic - and everyone conveying their deep affection for him. Equally informative and moving are interview segments with Nilsson's wives – Annie and Una, his son Zach, and cousin Doug Hoefer. Best set of heads I can recall in a biodoc.

The most glaring deficiency of the film is that it crowds out Nilsson's music. Even the performance of his greatest hit, "Without You," is cut short after about 8 bars. Arrrrgh!! There is no excuse for this, not given that the movie runs a full two hours as it is. Lose a few head shots and we could have heard at least that song through, and perhaps one or two more, like "One," or his Oscar winning cover of "Everybody's Talking.'" The filmmakers are simply too intent on plumbing Nilsson's psychological mystique and not attentive enough to his music. My grades: 7.5/10 (low B+) (Seen at the NWFC's Reel Music series, 01/07/07)

The greatest, little-known highly successful artist ever

[ctoprefect-2 · 9/10 · 15 July 2007]

This tough-to-see little picture played at the Mods & Rockers 2007 festival. It is a wonderful and loving look at Harry Nilsson, using many famous faces who sit for interviews, rarely seen TV performances and behind-the-scenes footage of Nilsson at work. There's even a few shots from "Son Of Dracula". This movie is the final and fitting tribute to one of the finest voices, the most clever songwriter and the funniest man in popular music. It's a crime that this man's name is not as well known as some of the songs he wrote and/or performed. His friends tell incredibly funny stories about this talented hulk with a subconscious wish for self-destruction. As a bonus, you even get Eric Idle performing the song with wrote for Nilsson's final album during the closing credits. It's funny, it's sad. It's not in general release. If this picture plays anywhere near where you live, see it!

Why hasn't someone picked this up for distribution?

[abernant_85 · 10/10 · 16 September 2006]

Sony Pictures Classics, I'm looking at you! Sony's got the rights to Harry records -- you need to distribute the film and you'll get radically increased sales of his back catalog! Anyhow, this is a great study of a fascinating musician, woefully underknown, full of great stories, greater music, and it could have been 3 hours longer and I'd have loved it even more. Saw it at the American Cinemateque Mods & Rockers Festival at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, where it played to a packed house. They were turning people away at the door! I went to many of the Mods & Rockers festival films, and let me assure you that no other film came even close to selling out, let alone turning people away. See it in the theatre, buy the DVD, and make sure some slow-on-the-uptake company [*cough SONY cough*] picks it up ASAP!

Excellent Documentary

[Zeep00 · 10/10 · 2 October 2006]

I saw this movie in Santa Monica on Aug. 23 and it has stayed with me. I want to thank the filmmakers for digging into the details of Harry's enigmatic, eccentric, life. And also for showing the flaws and failings of Nilsson the man. Thanks for showing the good and bad, the ups and downs, and for uncovering that amazing BBC footage. The film is also a great showcase of a vast amount of Nilsson's music, really well placed throughout the film. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes good documentaries, especially if you are interested in Harry Nilsson or the music scene of the early 70's. Some reviewer at the Ain't It Cool website wrote that this was the best movie movie they saw at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, and I believe it. The film is informative, funny, sad, touching, and full of awesome music. It succeeds on all levels. Really, really good.

A must-see for any fan of Nilsson and his music.

[TxMike · 8 November 2010]

I saw this via Netflix streaming video on my Wii.

I always enjoyed Harry Nilsson's music but frankly knew nothing about him. As I was searching for things to watch on Netflix I came across this title.

Here is a story, a true one at that, of a man born with a wonderful voice and a very playful, creative spirit for song-writing. A sort of a flawed Paul McCartney. Nilsson was very successful early, but his self-destructive ways caused a multitude of problems for him, and many around him, during his last 20 or so years. A time during which he almost completely destroyed his voice from alcohol, drugs, partying, and abusing his vocal cords. Still he became a loving husband and father, the third time around. He died young of a heart attack.

This film has a lot of informal footage of Nilsson himself during various stages of his life, including some shot during recording sessions. Plus many interviews with his wives, his children, and the lawyers, composers, producers, and musicians who were part of his professional life.

Interesting artist, and his music will live for a long time.

Dammit . . . His name is NILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLSON and not NEEEEELSON!!!!

[cr-1761 · 7/10 · 2 March 2021]

I have been a (Harry) Nilsson fan from very early on. When "Son of Schmilson" first came out, I had just left the record store in Eatontown (NJ) and was cruising southbound on Route 35 (listening to WNEW-FM) and they played "You're Breaking My Heart" with a perfect edit on the "F word" . . . it was "pf bleep kuh" . . . I was stunned but immediately turned my car around, went back to the record store, and bought the LP.

Anyhow, after watching this documentary, I am APPALLED at how many people . . . who supposedly knew and were close to Harry . . . mispronounced his name.

At the very opening, Dustin Hoffman announced the death of Harry Neeelson. GAWD DAMMIT, his last name was Nilsson . . . like nil (nothing) . . . rhymes with mill and until and still . . . well, you get it.

Just listen to how he pronounces his own name . . . listen to the soundtrack of the film "Skidoo" where he sings the credits ". . . and Nilsson played the tower guard" . . .

Sorry but, to me, this is an insult.

Please . . . in Harry's honor . . . GET IT RIGHT!

Thank you.

Amazing documentary on legendary singer songwriter

[davidwb88 · 10/10 · 2 December 2006]

I was lucky enough to have seen this film at it's Seattle Film Fest screening, and was blown away by how great it was. This is without a doubt one of the best music documentaries I've ever seen, (and I've seen a lot!) This is a loving look back at the life and times, music and relationships of one of music's true legends. Harry Nilsson deserves to be up there with the likes of Gershwin, Cole Porter, and all the other great song writers of 20th century standards. He was considered a peer by all four members of the Beatles, who all called him a 5th Beatle, and one the same wavelength as themselves.

Harry refused to tour, so many today don't remember him, and those born after his heyday, are unaware of who he was. This is tragic. Everyone should have the opportunity to be exposed to this wonderful talent. This film is a step in the right direction, to finally give the man his due. Unfortunately, the film has yet to have wide distribution, or even a DVD so for the time being, good luck in getting to see it.

If you are someone with the power to put together a DVD distribution deal, PLEASE contact the film makers. This film needs to be available. Hey VH-1, how about screening it on air, then maybe putting it out on DVD? Harry Nilsson deserves nothing less.

A Waste of Talent and Life

[camdad · 7/10 · 24 January 2015]

As a young man, I well remember Harry Nilsson and his supreme talents as a singer and songwriter. But, I was not aware of how he wasted those talents -- and, in the end, his own life at only age 52 -- through a decades-long alcoholic spiral. It was interesting to see people like Jimmy Webb, Perry Botkin and Mickey Dolenz alternately describe Harry's journey as a thrill ride and descent into hell. Of all the interviews, I thought producer Richard Perry's was the most detailed and intelligent synopsis of Harry's career suicide and ultimate death wish. But, in the end, I was struck at the paradox of Harry being described as a great father, even though he walked out on his first son (and the son's mother) and left behind six young children. What a selfish bastard.

Still Nobody's Talking...

[nv-11 · 10/10 · 14 November 2010]

I just happened on this incredible documentary on Netflix. I always loved Harry Nilsson's music but I never knew anything about him. This documentary is really an extensive work of art, compiling all the film footage about Harry and the people who knew him best. Particularly interesting was the recording studio footage and old movies of him performing. For all the music he wrote and performed and for all the famous musicians that he ran with, I just don't ever remember hearing about him, (in the tabloids and the like) only his music. Who knew he lived life on the edge? Too bad this documentary didn't get much publicity, as it is truly excellent. Most of the people that can remember his music will truly never know who is the guy behind all those wonderful songs with that melancholy melodious voice. Thank you for showing some of us who Harry Nilsson was, the guy behind Everybody's Talking but not about Harry.

Seattle International Film Festival - David Jeffers for SIFFblog.com

[rdjeffers · 7/10 · 13 June 2006]

Thursday June 15, 9:30pm The Egyptian

Saturday June 17, 11:00am The Egyptian

"He spent most of his life in pursuit of a good time, and he caught it." - Eric Idle

Harry Nilsson left Brooklyn, "…feeling like Holden Caulfield. I was fifteen." Eventually, he ended up working as an usher at the LA Paramount and within a few years fell back asswards into one of the greatest songwriting careers in the history of American music. 'Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talking' About Him?)' chronicles the legendary life of "… the best songwriter of our generation." Writer/Director John Scheinfeld produces a 'who's who' of musical royalty, from Brian Wilson and Al Kooper to Paul Williams, Randy Newman and Ray Cooper, "His voice was a medical instrument. It would heal you." Assorted archives include his 1969 appearance on 'Playboy After Dark' and Nilsson's BBC special. The John Lennon, brandy Alexander, Smothers Brothers at the Troubadour comeback-show heckling debacle is one memorable recounting among so many they seem to virtually squeeze Nilsson's enchanting music out of this comprehensive and bitter-sweet bio-doc.

"He was a wonderful perpetrator."

" … I woke up three days later, getting a massage in Phoenix."

A Warm, Loving Remembrance

[david-lister613 · 8/10 · 30 October 2010]

For those of us alive at the time, it was impossible to not have heard of Harry Nilsson and to have been appreciative of a song or two. "Without You" has always been one of my favorites, but beyond that I was in the dark. This movie shines light on the body of work that somehow I missed with so much incredible music being made at the same time.

It is a whimsical but honest look at one of the all-time great raconteurs, a fellow traveler with a coterie of out-sized personalities who largely burned brightly but briefly. Watching how his unlimited talents were gradually eroded away with self-indulgence is a tragicomic spectacle, leaving behind a wake of stories of a life lived at extremes.

Watch it. It will be time well spent.

It's Easy To Throw Stones...But, You'll Smile Too

[AudioFileZ · 7/10 · 13 February 2019]

This is a look into a hugely talented musical artist. An artist that routinely shot himself in the foot professionally and personally. Because he was unconventional in both life and art it is evident he was fighting inner demons. He managed to achieve a pinnacle of success in spite of himself. Such is pure talent in this case. Though often dark it manages to reveal a fair amount of light. Sure it's a bit benevolent in total because it does seek to celebrate more than denigrate, as it should.

Today, while not forgotten, Harry Nilsson is a bit of insider's musical treasure. This film will help with that bringing the artistry to the fore while visiting the craziness of Nilsson's often self-indulgent behavior. Since the music is why we would want to know more it certainly keys on that, but we also get a picture of a tortured man who was scarred by his own father's abandonment. This part of Harry would be with him as would be the driven artist seeking to escape, conquer, and carve out a life. It allows the viewer to appreciate his unique vocal, song writing, and musical talent. In many ways quite singular to him. It's nice that in his last years he was at peace with his third wife and kids whom he absolutely adored and cherished.

I can see some greatness in this bio as it will help many discover the great musical catalog left behind. For those who are casual fans it will fill out their knowledge of a man they probably hardly knew. Equal parts cautionary and Cinderella tale it is imminently watchable for a wide audience. I find some justice in remembering the great music and unique person of Harry Nilsson. It's worth noting much of his recorded legacy still is relevant and quite enjoyable. Is it a tragic or triumphant tale? In the end it is both with the musical legacy ultimately raising it to more of the latter. Like The Beatles it's unlikely we will ever see another Harry Nillson...yet we can hope.

This 'documentary' is on netflix now jan 2015

[TanteWaileka · 3/10 · 18 January 2015]

I give this a three, okay maybe a four.... for the early parts where Harry SINGS. He did write some nice little songs, nothing great, and he is not a 'great' musician either, but then, neither are any of the musicians who eulogize him. What he really was: a failed father, husband and friend. He could NOT be counted on to follow through on his covenant or his commitments. Of course you could boo me for saying that, but it is the truth. After all, his music was my generation's music. As a musician myself, I loved his little 'real life' ditties, but they were not 'genuine', in that HE was the PROBLEM in most (okay, ALL) of his romantic relationships. He could not be trusted. He was a drunk, a druggie, a liar, a cheater, and he ABANDONED his oldest child. The fact that my own father did the same thing to his two legitimate children (he wasn't married to my mother), maybe it 'scratches at my craw', who knows. But I am almost violently disdainful of people who do not honor their covenant. If you watch his 'documentary' you can feel the pain of that son, you can see it in his face. He wanted his father to love him, and Harry was far too self-centered to do that. Well the music was good, to a certain point. (Not if you are a REAL musician, but most people are not so....) I never did understand the adulation for 'rockers'. Everyone loves music, sure, but the Beatles? What did they ever do, musically, that made any kind of sense (if you were NOT stoned?) Just pop culture, that's all. And now, 40 years later, there's some nostalgic value, but that's all. Nilsson was a coward who had no integrity and who reminds me a lot of Michael Landon, who also abandoned his kids, and broke his covenant. Oh well. Losers both. But at least Landon didn't waste his talent, he was just a cheater/bad father. Nilsson ended up with a teenage irish virgin bride who has obviously not got an intelligent thought in her head. She is in fact, a cow. Luckily for HER, of course, since had she been able to think, she never would have had all those babies with him.

A must see film

[brettmeisner · 10/10 · 16 September 2006]

Saw this film during the Mod & Rockers fest in August. I was so inspired and touched. Harry had an amazing life and one of the best and distinct voices ever recorded. For those of you who don't know about Harry Nilsson do a little research and you'll see that Harry has probably found his way into your life in one way or another - maybe it was his 70s special "The Point" or "Everybody's Talking" from Midnight Cowboy. For me it started with "people let me tell you bout my best friend" - the theme song from "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." Watching this film you can really feel the love and admiration from Harry's true friends and peers. Don't shed a tear for Harry - he had a ball...

Brett

For The Converted, Amazing. Otherwise, Still Highly Recommended

[crossbow0106 · 6 November 2011]

The best documentaries about music make you want to explore the artist further (two examples: The Band's "The Last Waltz" and "Rush Beyond The Lighted Stage")and intrigue you as to the person and their vision. This is a great documentary about a true American original who had major talent both as a singer and songwriter. Ironically, his two biggest hits "Everybody's Talking" and "Without You" weren't written by him. You get a lot of rare footage, as well as interviews from people who knew him and worked with him. These interviews are excellent, as some are from people whom you rarely see, with the two most insightful comments by songwriter/artist Jimmy Webb and record producer Richard Perry. Nilsson's idiosyncrasies are explored (he never gave a concert and he was an unusual person), as well as his substance abuse. However, you can tell the people who speak about him love him. Rather than this being about a slightly crazed person who couldn't always control his demons, you get a glimpse into his personal life, including interviews with his widow and even his children. I was touched by so many of the comments from his friends and family. The DVD has even more to offer and is very highly recommended. A very good compilation of his hits called Nilsson's Greatest Hits is a great complement to watching this film. Don't miss it.

The story of a maverick singer songwriter

[JohnRayPeterson · 9/10 · 22 October 2011]

I would call Harry Nilsson a maverick because he refused to conform and took an unorthodox stand for an artist in his business, the very definition of the word. I just recently watched the 2010 version of the documentary (earlier versions are not as complete according to my research) and though I was familiar with his musicography I knew little about his life; this film filled that void. It is an excellent biodocumentary; I trust you will come to the same conclusion. I only got to know all his music in recent times but it's never too late to discover good music and a voice like his. The editing is faultless and the special effects montage of the stills make them come alive.Other reviews comment about the movies festivals overwhelming positive response for this movie; the movie did live up to those comments.

The movie explains why he was such a well kept secret; his music was very popular and many other artists praised and used his work but the man did not want to be a public figure he just wanted his work to be appreciated. What a life this movie depicts. Once you start watching it, you don't want to stop and as some other reviewers wrote it could have lasted three hours and still would have watched it all; this is especially true if you know even a little about his music. Just to make a point that will get the message of who he was: John Lennon said he was his favourite, Paul McCartney had two favourite artists, Brian Wilson and Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson praised Harry in this documentary and Randy Newman said he felt honoured to have Nilsson make an album exclusively of his songs despite the record companies reticence. I chose to write this review at this particular time for a reason; I'm glad it was about this documentary and I'll leave at that. I hope you discover Harry Nilsson from his music and this movie may just help you do that.

Worth the Wait...

[suessis · 9/10 · 7 November 2010]

I heard about this film three years ago and have been waiting all this time to actually see it. It was worth the wait. I've been a Nilsson fan for years and this documentary really gave me a connection to who he was as a person and the life that he lived. It's a beautifully crafted work by someone who obviously loved Harry as much as all of his friend did. My hope is is that more people will see this documentary and realize what a talent that has been lost. His voice was amazing and the songs he wrote touch people and seems speak to the very essence of who we are as people. I remember hearing once that Ringo Starr was deeply affected by his passing. Through this film, I can see why.

A Wonderful Documentary About a Wonderful Singer-Songwriter

[jayraskin · 10/10 · 6 March 2012]

Harry Nilsson was a major singer-songwriter in the 1960's to the 1980's. He wrote songs with great tunes and cute or funny lyrics, a lot like Cole Porter.

I remember going into a record store and seeing an album with a promo sticker stuck on it quoting John Lennon saying that Nilsson was his favorite new American singer. I bought the album and was deeply impressed.

This is a nice and loving documentary that traces his career from working as a bank clerk to sudden stardom and success to hard partying to bankruptcy and way-too-young death at age 52.

Some reviewers here noted that there is not enough of Nilsson's music in the movie. We just hear snatches of most of his hits with only a few complete songs. That's a fair criticism. I was especially disappointed that his great hit "Best Friend," which was the theme song for the beautiful 1970's television series "Courtship of Eddie's Father," was missing. It is my favorite Nilsson song.

Still, since it is unlikely another documentary on Nilsson will be made, this is a must-see for his fans. For those who were born too late for the '60s and have not heard of him, I think you'll enjoy it enough to start searching out his music.

An excellent documentary -- a well deserved tribute to Harry

[Sasha_Lauren · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

I'm a fan of Harry Nilsson, the sweet, whimsical, stunningly talented singer-songwriter with perhaps the most soothing voice I've ever heard, but I didn't know much about his life. This documentary, (made by John Scheinfeld, the filmmaker who made "The U.S. vs. John Lennon"), did a spectacular job in covering Nilsson's life from birth to death, opening with the moving, impromptu announcement of his death by Dustin Hoffman on TV, (Nilsson died of a heart attack at fifty-two).

Included in the film is the story of his funeral service, which was rocked by earthquake aftershocks as friends and family lovingly sang Harry's irreverent hit, "You're Breakin' My Heart," which opens with, "You're breakin' my heart / You're tearin' it apart

Nilsson had a hardscramble childhood: his father abandoned his family when he was four, and Harry was raised by an alchoholic mother in a neighborhod of Brooklyn so poor and dirty there were signs in the alleys that said, "Starve a rat, cover your garbage." When he was a teenager he held up a liquor store for seventeen dollars and change to pay the rent.

He moved to L.A. and worked at The Paramount Theatre and then he managed 132 people on the swing shift at a bank. When his song "Cuddly Toy" was chosen to be recorded by The Monkees, he was told, "You can quit your job at the bank."

The film utilized professional and personal film archieves and dozens of people were interviewed about Harry: producers, friends, colleagues, attorneys, a cousin, his children, wife Una, and ex-wife Diane, with whom he had Zackary Nine Nilsson. Musician friends Ry Cooder, Mickey Dolenz, Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, Jimmy Webb, Brian Wilson, Yoko Ono, Al Cooper, Mark Hudson, Paul Williams, and others share memories of a plucky Harry. There are striking interviews with Richard Perry, Perry Botkin, Jr., Bruce Grakal, Eric Idle, May Pang, Robin Williams, The Smothers Brothers, and more. I read that good friend Ringo Starr was not among those interviewed because he has a hard time talking about Harry.

Ry Cooder said that Harry's voice was so beautiful that he almost couldn't play when he heard it. "His voice would heal you; you felt an overwhelming warmth from that voice." Randy Newman said that Harry had a gift for rare melodies and that as a writer, he had an open mind, was enthusiastic about what he liked and was generous with praise. Perry Botkin, Jr. and his partner recognized Harry's prodigious musical gift the moment they heard him sing and quickly signed him with their publishing company.

Nilsson followed his creative instincts instead of locking himself into a path guided by careerism. In 1970, when producers and fans were waiting for more of Harry's original work, he recorded an album of Randy Newman covers. In 1971 he made an album accompanied by an animated film called, "The Point!," a philosophical fable inspired while he was on acid and realized that "everything had a point or there was no point to it." In 1973, at a time he felt his voice was ripe for it, Harry recorded an album of classic 20th-century standards, "A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night." In 1974, he made a bizarre British musical, "Son of Dracula," with pal, Ringo Starr.

In between these various and sundry passion projects, Harry turned out some of his own iconic music with masterpieces like the 1971 album, "Nilsson Schmilsson."

One thing though: Harry didn't do audiences. He didn't like to give concerts; friends said he was terrified of it, had a bad experience performing live early on, and he didn't feel like having to be on at a certain time in an expected way. He agreed to do a BBC special because he was given creative control. As part of that special, three Harrys sang together - harmonizing beautifully with himself - on, "Come On Baby Let The Good Times Roll."

Nilsson also recorded songs for films including Midnight Cowboy, Popeye, and The Fisher King. He brought his eldest son Zak with him to the set of The Fisher King, which gave father and son a chance to spend extended time together for what would turn out to be the first and the last time.

After Derek Taylor, press officer to The Beatles gave the group some of Harry's albums, they became devoted fans of his. Harry developed a close relationship with them, especially John and Ringo. The Beatles said that Nilsson was their favorite American artist and their favorite American group because Harry overdubbed his own music, and was essentially his own backup group. He ruptured a vocal chord - which ruined his voice - during a recording session with John Lennon for the album Pussy Cats. When RCA gave Harry three million to retire, John helped Harry renegociate with RCA.

After John was killed by a crazed man who shot him outside of his home in New York, Harry was devastated -- he took up an anti-handgun campaign with fervor. Someone said that Harry should have been focusing on his music and creative passions, but after the murder of his great friend, he was overcome by this cause; sadly, this same issue still plagues us in America today, decades later.

Harry was a music maverick that did what he wanted to do until his accountant embezzled his money from him and left him in dire need of money to support his beloved wife, Una, and his six children, whom he adored. His life was adventurous, he lived on the edge with excesses of drugs and alcohol, yet everybody who's talking about Harry Nilsson has praise for his musical genius and a twinkle in their eye as they tell a spirited story about him.

This film is a well deserved tribute to Nilsson. His words about his life are included in this documentary; his integrity, humor, and unique, shining music are the stars, I smiled, smiled , laughed and cried my way twice it through ...so far.

Suffers from attempt to inject an over arching narrative

[chairmanofnarcissism · 2/10 · 23 May 2015]

This documentary shows Nilsson had a great deal of love in his life. The women whom he loved seem warm and wonderful, and his children to be likable people.

It is not the fault of the subjects that this documentary disappoints; It is solely the responsibility of the film maker (s).

The questions reveal that the documentary makers have not approached the subject with an open mind ( Nowhere is this more apparent than when Nilsson's 3rd wife,Una, speaks about his crusade for gun control.) and instead feel they need to create, or inject, a synthetic story arc. Whilst so doing, they poor scorn on Harry's attempt to fight the violence of hand guns by editing the answers given to suit their own narrative.

The film is itself, as it supposes of much of Nilsson's life, a missed opportunity.

Best documentary about someone I'd never heard of!

[siddiqueh · 23 October 2011]

Well I know his songs but had never heard of this singer/songwriter's name. This documentary was a revelation for me and if you give it 2hrs of your time it will be for you too. The number of high profile contributors is evidence itself of the scope of influence of Harry Nilsson. But a man who is hardly known outside of the music industry and his close circle of friends and collaborators. Using archive footage, recordings and recollections from the great and good this extra long portrait is long overdue and rightly deserved. I now know why Harry was often known as America's unknown 'Beatle' and like many other rock stars self destructive, very much in the same vein of Elvis, Cash and to some degree Lennon himself.

Really great reminder of a somewhat forgotten legend

[jellopuke · 9/10 · 21 August 2019]

Standard doc format, but used to great effect in bringing back a tremendous talent unfairly forgotten (for the most part). Makes you want to revisit his music asap.

Great Documentary on an Underappreciated Musician

[KinoBuff2021 · 8/10 · 19 April 2022]

I feel that this film is underappreciated much like Harry Nilsson himself. This film shows the the great but also often tragic life of Harry Nilsson. The mix of archival footage, music, and interviews are done so well that they stand well above many other music docs.

Worth a watch for any Nilsson fan or rally any music fan in general!

Shedding some worthwhile light on this musician's life

[mrncat · 8/10 · 3 March 2013]

I, for one, am glad that someone has made a film about this singer/songwriter. The film does fill in some of the questions I had about his life (for example, when I learned in the mid 1990s that he had died of a heart attack, I wondered where he'd been and what he was doing in the years prior to his death as he had somewhat disappeared from view). I also like the fact that many of his contemporaries and musician friends who knew him from the late 1960s & 1970s were given the opportunity to share their thoughts about him. It gives the film viewer insight into Nilsson's talent and also his personal weaknesses.

The final minutes of the film discusses Nilsson's marriage and family --this answered another question for me as when I read his obit it stated he had 6 children. Featuring an interview with his Irish wife as well as statements from some of his children adds further glimpses into this talented man. The film does hint there's a lesson to be gleaned from learning about Nilsson's life (i.e., the perils of achievement/success and subsequent overindulgence). I was grateful, too, as a balance, that the love he and his wife and children shared was also portrayed.