The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark
- 2013
- 1h 50m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
212
YOUR RATING
A documentary on the life and work of Gene Clark, co-founder of The Byrds, whose subsequent career was a rollercoaster of pioneering music and personal disaster.A documentary on the life and work of Gene Clark, co-founder of The Byrds, whose subsequent career was a rollercoaster of pioneering music and personal disaster.A documentary on the life and work of Gene Clark, co-founder of The Byrds, whose subsequent career was a rollercoaster of pioneering music and personal disaster.
Gene Clark
- Self
- (archive footage)
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- Writer
- All cast & crew
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Featured reviews
10adambw87
I've seen and own a lot of rock DVD's, so I can spot a formulaic documentary when I see one. This was an exception, really evoked the times and feeling well, the interviewee's were insightful. A major coo to get the surviving Byrds involved, well done guys. Further to that, it adds credence to the fact that a lot of people rated Gene very highly, both as a Byrd and a solo artist. The fact that alongside the high profile covers (Mr. Tambourine Man, Turn Turn Turn) it was mostly Gene's songwriting keeping the band afloat initially...the drop dead one of the greatest pop/rock singles ever conceived (I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better) and gorgeous ballads like Set You Free This Time. Contributors also note Gene's excellent post Byrds work. So to sum it up, really enjoyable film, that didn't pander, told the truth and was all the better for it. I ordered it from Four Suns Productions and received the film promptly, well packaged. Good work again guys, look forward to what you do next. Get a Terry Reid film done! All the best, Adam
10ruthnoah
This an excellent documentary, featuring members of Gene's family, friends as well as ex band members. It is thoughtfully presented and gives a good insight into Gene, the man, and what was happening in his life while we were listening to his beautiful, emotional music. A very fitting tribute to a mesmeric man, both on stage and off. I really recommend buying this documentary, it is a compassionate journey through Gene's life. I have watched it many times since I bought it and will do so many more times! The production, as well as the direction, is first-rate. Four Suns deserve plenty of praise for this work and I, for one hope they will give us more! Anything else in the pipeline?
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
10catoohey
Those of us familiar with Gene Clark's music - both with the Byrds and after finally have a cinematic glimpse into his life and psyche as one of the originators of country rock. Interviews with Gene's compadres help fill in some of the blanks about his life and the reasons for his lack of success in his post-Byrds music career. We finally get to meet his ex-wife Carlie Clark and hear from both of his sons as to their experiences with their dad. The repeated theme is of an extremely soulful and talented songwriter always on the brink of success, who always falls back at the last moment. Anyone who enjoys music will enjoy this film and the tasteful use of Gene's music throughout! Kudos to the production team of Paul Kendall and his sons!
Although lacking certain dynamics; I found this film incredibly moving. It almost felt like a family history, contributions from Gene's lovely sister and brother and his two sons made this feel so intimate and up close. A very warm human story with some great contributions, you can almost wait for the tide to come in and go out while David Crosby finds the very most appropriate words to describe Gene's...soul. It is clear that Gene Clark had a profound effect on just about everyone he met. I also found it a valuable guide on how to grow old gracefully, or graciously - some fantastic insights and wisdom from Gene's former band mates, Chris Hillman deserves a special mention as the guy you would probably most wish to be like when in your mid-late sixties. I learn't a lot by watching this film and felt enriched by the experience. An extremely worthy tribute to a mercurial, searching, cosmic American dreamer.
Did you know
- SoundtracksEight Miles High
Written by Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn and David Crosby
Performed by The Byrds
Licensed courtesy of Sony Music UK Limited
Details
- Runtime
- 1h 50m(110 min)
- Color
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