All We Are Saying

This film gives you an unusually good look into the creative process, along with frank discussion of the problems and sacrifices that most artists have to deal with and accept in order to keep their creative channels open. The casual use of the cameras facilitates the conversational feel and the directness of the artists communication. Ultimately it allows us to share the experiences of a some great artists in their search for true expression, which is really a universal human need and it certainly evoked some empathy in this writer. Of significance is the clear communication that dedication to their art form, the performance and sharing of their music is much more important to them than the money they earn.

Hearing these musicians and singers speak, reminded me of a recurring scene from "Beavis and Butthead." Whenever Beavis or Butthead would deeply think, an image came up on the screen of a mostly burned out light bulb with a half dead fly buzzing around inside it.

The old rock stars reminded me of dried up tumbleweeds which blow around in the desert on windy days. They spoke of how commercialized the music business is now. They lamented the fact that now it's looks, not talent which make a singer famous. Old rich complainers, jealous of the younger generation of musicians. David Crosby who looks like he's been dead for ten years was especially pathetic. A big empty head with gibberish coming out of it. Patty Smith now looks like a man, mustache and all. She looks like Tom Petty's twin brother without the blonde dye job.

The younger musicians are no better. The guy from "Andre 3000" talked of how he is truly a misunderstood introvert, as he spoke wearing his bright read pants, blue, plaid shirt, Mr. T stater kit jewelry and big puffy hat. Gwen Stefani spoke of the pain no one could understand, the day her assistant was off work and she (gasp)locked herself out of her house.

It's often disappointing to hear public figures speaking their private thoughts, this movie was no exception. It was a portrait of out of touch, insulated, childish, self absorbed dumb people speaking of their rich, pampered and dumb lives. It was particularly annoying to hear these singers and guitar strummers constantly calling themselves "artists." Please! If you enjoy the music of any of these "artists" listed in the credits for this movie, you may want to skip it.

Kudos to Rosanna Arquette though. Every time the camera was panned to her she looked like she was actually enjoying hearing these "artists" speak. That's good acting.

Have you ever sat and wondered why popular music has become plasticized and oh-so formulaic in the last ten years? This film answers that question and more. Rosanna Arquette does a magnificent job of presenting a fantastic cross-section of musical artists from every genre. From Sting, to Don Henley, to Mary J. Blige to Willie Nelson and Burt Bacharach. Rosanna sits back with her hand-held camera and allows the artist the opportunity to speak freely about their art, life and the music business. An open and honest commentary that is sorely missed in this day and age. A must see for those who appreciate music or for those who are just getting started. Thank you Rosanna!

I pretty much agree with glazedham's review. I will add the following...one of the things that I found most annoying is the fact that Arquette is frequently seen holding a camera while another camera is filming her holding the camera. I don't know why, but this was unbelievably aggravating to me. All in all, I was left with the impression that many of these "artists" have just taken way too many drugs. If their lives are so difficult, I recommend that they get off the stage and go to a part of the world where they can witness real suffering. Hopefully they will take Arquette and her hand-held camera with them. Maybe she will eventually use footage from the hand-held camera as it seems to have served absolutely no purpose in this film.

All We Are Saying to me was something I think everyone should see at least once. It had all the great musicians, that had an impact on the music industry, expressing their opinions on how the music has changed. The opinions all seem to stay the same, in thinking that music has lost its flare.. but seeing all those big names from back in the 60's, 70's and 80's to now, makes it all worth it. Not to mention, the in-depth conversations and the words of wisdom. David Crosby said a line, "Britney Spears is being considered for a record over Joni Mitchell, and Britney Spears is about as deep as a bird bath" and to me, is true. If you love, classic rock and new soul music, such as I do, this documentary will inspire you. Talk about better to burn out than fade away, this old timers are going out like a bad-ass firecracker.