Gram Parsons: Fallen Angel

Review 1 of 6

mustang writes:

4of 4 Stars

This movie is a fitting tribute to a highly-talented, albeit tormented, recording artist. It's gratifying to hear Emmylou Harris, Chris Hillman, James Burton and others speak fondly of Gram Parsons. Regrettably, Roger McGuinn refused to be interview for this movie.
Gram Parsons (like Lucinda Williams, Nick Drake, etc.) has a small but intense group of followers. If you are one of them, you will not only enjoy this movie, but will be deeply touched as well.

Aug 9, 2006 13:48:43

Review 2 of 6

ElRey writes:

4of 4 Stars

If you watch the special feature with the director's interview and compare his statments about what he wanted to accomplish and what this documentary delivered it's a dead on success. It allows people to be themselves and express their thoughts and does nothing to hide the blemishes in Gram's life. In fact, it does much to show just how human Parson's was and how drugs, alcohol, and psychological trauma destroy beauty. No wonder that Gram was always looking to escape.

Jul 7, 2006 12:15:10

Review 3 of 6

TimF writes:

Not Rated

****, Riveting, heartbreaking, leaves me hungry for more. Sensitive treatment of major role players as people with feelings instead of icons who crank out the music we love...
Better late than never...

Jun 25, 2006 20:28:40

Review 4 of 6

supersoul writes:

Not Rated

The simple fact that so little footage exists of Gram Parsons, let alone the various bands in which he performed, is reason enough to overlook this aspect of "Fallen Angel".

For decades, little if anything has been gleaned from those closest to him. The heartfelt interviews with his wife and family were beacons of light for those of us who have hungered for more ever since his untimely demise in 1973.
Please keep in mind that "Fallen Angel" is a documentary, not a biopic designed to titillate the masses.

Jun 24, 2006 06:47:36

Review 5 of 6

peggy writes:

4of 4 Stars

An excellent look at an inspiring musician. In contrast to the reviewer, I feel that the interviews lent a well-rounded picture of a complex individual who, with his cohorts, was an important part of the California music scene. Full song performance footage would have been welcome though, as extras.

Jun 23, 2006 17:09:44

Review 6 of 6

No Screen Name writes:

4of 4 Stars

Full performances of what little video exists from Gram were probably prevented by copyright restrictions. The myopic reviewer failed to mention that Mr. Hennig told a story through interviews and research about a great American tragedy - a brilliant artist trapped between wealthy Southern culture and the hip cosmopolitan world of the 60's. Drugs and alcohol addiction were the commonalities that Gram carried between his Southern upbringing and his rock and roll world. His brave attempt to write and play traditional country music with a rock and roll attitude was clearly brought out in the film. The budding relationship between Gram and Emmylou Harris added to the documentary's tragic tones. The differing attitudes of the aftermath of Gram's death (the heartbroken half-sister and the loyal friend who kept his pact with Gram) were fascinating. This work from a relatively new German filmmaker is superb for the long-time Gram fan and the casual observer. The lack of depth in the review by a Rolling Stone writer is shameful. He sounds like a third grader writing a book report.

Jun 23, 2006 14:04:58