el doctor
04-20-2004, 04:01 PM
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
A Film About Wilco By Sam Jones
<img src=http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00008IAMJ.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg width=222 height=316.6>
Originally released 2002
Disc One: 92 minutes
Disc Two: 70 minutes approx.
Members:*
Jeff Tweedy (vocals/guitar)
John Stirratt (bass)
Leroy Bach (multi-instrumentalist)
Glenn Kotche (drums)
Jay Bennett (guitar/keyboards)
General Information:
Originally released in 2002, and then in 2003 on DVD, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart is the film by Sam Jones, which follows the band Wilco. Right before filming started, drummer Ken Coomer was fired and replaced by Glen Kotche, a move declared by singer Jeff Tweedy. The DVD actually consists of two discs. Disc one is a documentary following the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, while disco two is a compilation of deleted scenes and performances.
Review:
Disc One
The idea of a documentary may turn some people off from this at first. Documentary? Why, this must be boring then. However, in my opinion, the film is the exact opposite. At first look, the first disc starts in black and white; all the material is shot in black and white. This with some great camera work makes the film literally beautiful. The story itself is incredibly gripping. The film follows the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco’s more experimental and less pop fourth album, in their Chicago loft. The alternative rock/country band has been given full creative control of the record and it has huge expectations. When the record company finally heard the album, they wanted it to be more commercial, but the band refused. This led to them being dropped from their label and ultimately causing some shake-ups in the band. Fans of the band (and music fans in general) will love all the performances, including demos, live performances, Jeff Tweedy solo performances, unreleased material, and more. The film is a true roller coaster ride, moving from peaks of great music to lows of extreme turbulence within the band. Even with the drama, the film is no episode of Behind The Music, but a film following a great rock band, as it is always remaining focused on the music. The documentary is one extraordinary mix of truly great film and music.
Disc Two
The second disc consists of deleted scenes and performances. The deleted scenes include theatrical parts, although many of the scenes are performances of alternative versions of songs and unreleased material. Many of these performances are truly great, especially for fans of the band. One of the major highlights of this disc is Jeff Tweedy’s solo performances. While the band was mixing some of the album, Jeff did some solo touring. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a microphone (and occasionally a harmonica), these performances are stellar. The small venue and black and white film help to complete the mood. Along with current Wilco songs, Jeff performs old songs from his band, old Uncle Tupelo songs, and unreleased material. Also included is a making-of featurette entitled I Am Trying To Make A Film.
Side Notes:
Includes commentary from Wilco and director Sam Jones.
40-Page booklet included in case
Look out for a cameo by Fred Armisen on Disc One
Final Words:
This DVD isn’t for everyone. However, anybody who is a fan of Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy, or just a music fan in general should have interest in the film and music. Wilco fans will find more use from the second disc, notably due to the music related extras, but anybody should be able to appreciate the documentary, which combines a rather interesting story with a strong focus on the music. The idea of the DVD is a little bit different than most concert/live DVDs. The overall product is a marvelous mix of a gorgeous and captivating film with some equally great performance footage.
4/5
* Members at start of film.
A Film About Wilco By Sam Jones
<img src=http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00008IAMJ.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg width=222 height=316.6>
Originally released 2002
Disc One: 92 minutes
Disc Two: 70 minutes approx.
Members:*
Jeff Tweedy (vocals/guitar)
John Stirratt (bass)
Leroy Bach (multi-instrumentalist)
Glenn Kotche (drums)
Jay Bennett (guitar/keyboards)
General Information:
Originally released in 2002, and then in 2003 on DVD, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart is the film by Sam Jones, which follows the band Wilco. Right before filming started, drummer Ken Coomer was fired and replaced by Glen Kotche, a move declared by singer Jeff Tweedy. The DVD actually consists of two discs. Disc one is a documentary following the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, while disco two is a compilation of deleted scenes and performances.
Review:
Disc One
The idea of a documentary may turn some people off from this at first. Documentary? Why, this must be boring then. However, in my opinion, the film is the exact opposite. At first look, the first disc starts in black and white; all the material is shot in black and white. This with some great camera work makes the film literally beautiful. The story itself is incredibly gripping. The film follows the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco’s more experimental and less pop fourth album, in their Chicago loft. The alternative rock/country band has been given full creative control of the record and it has huge expectations. When the record company finally heard the album, they wanted it to be more commercial, but the band refused. This led to them being dropped from their label and ultimately causing some shake-ups in the band. Fans of the band (and music fans in general) will love all the performances, including demos, live performances, Jeff Tweedy solo performances, unreleased material, and more. The film is a true roller coaster ride, moving from peaks of great music to lows of extreme turbulence within the band. Even with the drama, the film is no episode of Behind The Music, but a film following a great rock band, as it is always remaining focused on the music. The documentary is one extraordinary mix of truly great film and music.
Disc Two
The second disc consists of deleted scenes and performances. The deleted scenes include theatrical parts, although many of the scenes are performances of alternative versions of songs and unreleased material. Many of these performances are truly great, especially for fans of the band. One of the major highlights of this disc is Jeff Tweedy’s solo performances. While the band was mixing some of the album, Jeff did some solo touring. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a microphone (and occasionally a harmonica), these performances are stellar. The small venue and black and white film help to complete the mood. Along with current Wilco songs, Jeff performs old songs from his band, old Uncle Tupelo songs, and unreleased material. Also included is a making-of featurette entitled I Am Trying To Make A Film.
Side Notes:
Includes commentary from Wilco and director Sam Jones.
40-Page booklet included in case
Look out for a cameo by Fred Armisen on Disc One
Final Words:
This DVD isn’t for everyone. However, anybody who is a fan of Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy, or just a music fan in general should have interest in the film and music. Wilco fans will find more use from the second disc, notably due to the music related extras, but anybody should be able to appreciate the documentary, which combines a rather interesting story with a strong focus on the music. The idea of the DVD is a little bit different than most concert/live DVDs. The overall product is a marvelous mix of a gorgeous and captivating film with some equally great performance footage.
4/5
* Members at start of film.