The Worst Film Ever

Thanks for the memories!

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

One of my all time favorites.

After watching this spellbinding film I appreciate how little I really knew about Gene Clark, and it was humbling to learn what a truly great talent he was. I first discovered the Byrds in the sixties, fell in love with that 'jingle jangle' sound and learned all the lyrics off by heart, but it was only through this film that I discovered Gene's creativity and sensitivity of soul, and the musical roots that inspired him. So ineffably sad that he always seemed to 'miss that boat' (as Chris Hillman observed in his narrative) and never realised the commercial success he deserved, although he probably wouldn't have been able to handle it and may have self-destructed even earlier than he ultimately did. 'Feel a Whole Lot Better' made my heart sing the first time I heard it, and still does; after seeing this film, it means even more to me.

This is a great film on Gene Clark's life--nicely produced with a lot of good interviews with people who knew Gene. I especially enjoyed the contributions of McGuinn, Crosby and Hillman, and of the three, Hillman in particular. Of course, all these guys need documentaries as well. You might have guessed that I have been a life-long fan of these artists. I have been listening to them ever since the release of Mr. Tambourine Man. As a musician, and singer-songwriter, I emulated them and have performed their music. Feel a Whole Lot Better was always a staple in my bands, as was Tambourine Man, Mr. Spaceman, Long Time Gone, and so on. As much as I appreciate the Kendalls for the time, effort, money invested in their film, I personally am/was ready for The Music of Gene Clark documentary. I don't suppose the Kendalls can do a Part Two. Some of what I was looking for was relegated to a feature on Clark as an "artist." Perhaps, for most people, they need to have a sense of who Clark was, but I feel that too much time is given in the film to the mayhem of drunkenness and drugs which eventually destroyed Gene's life. This leaves me feeling very sad. Again, I'm ready for an emphasis on Gene's music, which for at least ten years was a soundtrack for my own life.When I wrote some articles on the internet some ten years ago, I suggested that Turn Turn Turn would have been a huge classic if only several songs had been dropped in favor of She Don't Care About Time and She Has a Way. (Yes, I know the others wanted to get songwriting royalties.) Set You Free This Time was wonderfully done, but as some in the film intimated--his songs were generally melancholic and slow. Did anybody have a clue whether he was clinically depressed? Eight Miles High was a classic! And I would like to hear discussion at this point about what were the greatest singles of rock during the Sixties. I would vote for Eight Miles High being in the top five! These songs lay the groundwork for "Echoes." This song should be discussed for its poetry and how Clark rates against the songs Dylan had written (Could Leon Russell not be found for an interview?) Tried So Hard and Keep on Pushin' make Clark a candidate for being a founder of country-rock, along with Hillman and Parsons, and even the Beatles for that matter. Surely, this is not a point to dismiss. I always wondered why Clark chose the Gosdins for backup singing, and why the producer practically drowned out Clark's voice at times. I recall Dillard and Clark not getting very favorable reviews, but Clark was yet writing very poignant songs. A particular favorite is "Something's Wrong" on the first album. There should be some speculation as to Clark's lyric on "leaving here just to die." Again, was he depressed? Or, is this a yearning for meaning in his life? Does anybody know if he was searching spiritually speaking (Somebody once wrote an article on this topic?) "Polly" is another melancholy Clark classic, which we know was recently covered by Kraus and Plant. I always loved the song from the day the album came out. Matthews did it as well. Its the beginning of Clark's more mystical-type lyrics (although She Don't Care about Time hints in this direction). It would be great if someone could do a "best of Gene Clark" disc, if not a boxed-set at some point. I think "White Light" is perhaps the most cohesive and high-quality single body of work that Gene did (beyond No Other). The laid-back production by Jesse Ed Davis is perfect for Gene's work. "With Tomorrow" was one of my personal favorites. How about some discussion of the poetry of "The Virgin." How about some praise for "Spanish Guitar." Byrds Reunion. Clark shined foremost on this. Too bad infighting ruined what could have been such a great album (Too bad those earlier Gene-Byrds recordings of Full Circle couldn't have been used). Again, was Full Circle pointing to a philosophical/spiritual direction that Gene was heading? Anyway, you get my drift. Gene was the "Gypsy Rider", the musical vagabond, singing his "two-wheeled symphony." His music deserves better than a chronicle of his tortured soul. Other questions that occurred to me: Why was the "silver raven" solo performance included in the features, when it clearly shows his voice being in very bad shape--this should not have been included; 2) Where was Clark's second wife?, 3) Could not Rick Roberts have been interviewed? 4) Where was an interview with John Einerson? And finally, why close with "I Shall be Released?" Surely, there is some Clark/Olson footage with some of Gene's songs--we don't need to hear him doing Dylan as a closing statement. I applaud the Kendalls for their gift to us. I only hope that maybe they could build upon this for a second film on the music.

Understand why Gene Clark is so respected and enjoyed so many years after his death. This movie provides the context for where he came from (nowhere) to the the center of American music This is finally the doc that this this man deserved!!! So well told, so touching, and tragic. Great footage of the people who knew him best. It shows the remarkable arch of his life - rise, decline, rise,decline,rise and crash. Wonderfully respectful of his work without sugarcoating. I think that anyone who is a fan would want to see this and own it.A great way to understand the man and his music and understand why he has so many fans - like T Bone Burnett. Great rare footage of music insiders.

The Producer,Paul Kendall set out with one goal.To honor Gene Clark,not only as the man he was but in hope to introduced a talent all but relegated to a simple foot note in the annals of the most creative "Singer,Song Writer,Boom" of the last 50 years. Kendall and "Four Son Productions" deftly and clearly,via exclusive interviews with former Bandmates,Managers,Producers,Record Industry Moguls,family and friends reveal the true Gene Clark with answers carefully designed to protect one's own self interest. Years in the making,untold interviews,headaches and personal monies spent,all due to the love Gene gave freely to everyone he met.A story I know personally and heard repeated time and again and the driving force behind this documentary.Yet more than that.Tiz a beautiful treat for the eyes,up lifting and informative featuring a cast of legendary writers,singers and players such as David Crosby,Chris Hillman,Roger McGuiin and many others.This is one DVD you will want to revisit time and again,and soon I promise you will be searching for all the Gene Clark songs you can lay you're ears on… Trace Harrill