Glen Cambell - Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me (2016) Discussion

[–] jozielee 8 years ago

I so disagree.

Glen Campbell lived his life in the camera's eye. We watched the budding guitar player, the crooner, the cowboy, the television and movie star. Why not be privy to his final tour.

Campbell's life shines an important light on Alzheimer's disease. This film has made him the face of Alzheimer's. A familiar face to most Americans, who may be able to put enough money and effort toward ending this tragic disease . . . much like what happened with Rock Hudson and AIDS.

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[–] labrat1996 8 years ago

I agree Jozielee. Because he was touring, his cognitive skills were declining less than they would have if he was sitting at home wasting away. It was touching that hair still stood up on the back of his head from the electricity he felt from the audience. He was evidently still experiencing joy from that. Also, it seemed that everyone involved agreed that the essence of making this documentary was to highlight Alzheimer's awareness. I have much more respect for Glen Campbell after viewing this documentary.

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[–] jozielee 8 years ago

It was touching that hair still stood up on the back of his head from the electricity he felt from the audience.

Wasn't that interesting? I've never really thought about how an entertainer is affected by the audience. Thought after all the years he'd be blase. Just another room, another group of people. Not so.

I have much more respect for Glen Campbell after viewing this documentary.

I do, too. His family could have so easily said no to the filming. Done the tour in privacy, especially because they couldn't predict how long his strength would hold up.

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[–] atik10 8 years ago

I do think that music probably had a therapeutic effect on him. To a point. However, 151shows was pushing it way, way too far. It was painful to see that last show. A more dignified way would have been to do a handful of shows.

Was he allowed to bow out in his own terms? I'm not so sure. I do think that last show in Napa was not the way any artist would want to end his or her career.

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[–] Woodyanders 8 years ago

It was Glen Campbell's choice to do a farewell tour after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I thought Campbell showed tremendous grace, humor, and above all strength in the face of this awful disease. He certainly didn't go out quietly and most importantly put a very touching and admirable human face on this dreadful illness.

I am the Duke of IMDb bio writers! I am A#1!

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[–] Mehki_Girl 8 years ago

Not at all. It was lovely to see him and that he was open about it rather than hide it. He had has the power to make change and bless him for that.

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[–] Bodine 8 years ago

I too, couldn't agree less with the original poster. I watched this very moving doc on Netflix last night and, though I was long familiar with Glen Campbell, particularly from his TV program and hit songs, I didn't feel any particular connection to the man and his music.
All that has completely changed. I posted my impressions on Facebook and have been imploring friends and family to watch this. Though it is indeed painful to watch this enormous talent and fine man fade away, it was very uplifting to see someone live their life as well as they can till they cannot anymore.
Above all, his story has done such a great deal to shine a light on this horrible disease, which more and more of us will have to confront as more and more of us live longer and longer.
I salute you Glen Campbell and may peace go with you...

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[–] shanny_banany 8 years ago

I thought it was remarkable how enduring and resilient his musical abilities are in the face of all other decline in cognition and ability. For him to still be able to get up onstage and entertain so wonderfully, play his guitar and still carry a tune shows the truth of the sentiment that when language fails, music succeeds. Very interesting to see how integral his musical talent is that this had endured well into the ravages of this disease.

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[–] graycee-07273 8 years ago

I was never a Glen Campbell fan. I was a kid when he made Rhinestone Cowboy. I of course loved it. I think the amount of shows were pretty heavy duty but he got through it. If he did not do those shows he'd be lying in bed and have minimal interaction. If anyone has a person with alzheimers in their life you are so sad and horrified to see your loved one go through that. I think it was a blessing for him.

My best friends dad had alzheimers. I loved him dearly and was part of their family as they were a part of mine. Frank got confused. Many pick up certain rituals, Glens just happened to be his tooth and that something was in there. Her dad would stay in the bathroom for an hour rolling toilet paper into little balls and counting.
Day in and day out it was a struggle for her to get him to eat or get out of bed. Sometimes he would just lay in bed till three. This man was energetic, full of life and a joy. That all left him. She had three brothers but NONE helped her. I told her to bring him to NYC for a few days for a change of pace. I could also be with him so she could get a break. For the first time in Months he got up before her at 5 AM ready to hit the road. The activity was great for him as It was good for Glen.

Glens voice still amazing, his guitar skills as well. It was a moving documentary that made me smile and cry. If it was bad for him his docs would have said so. He also had an incredible body for a 76 year old. The sad part is they have no other illness and can linger for years.

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