Any thoughts about what made it such a good documentary?
I've watched several other music docs over the last year but none have worked as well (for me) as this. It's a classic story - boys going to the big city to make their fortunes, succeeding beyond their dreams but then what comes next? It helps that we are introduced to the characters. They have talents but also flaws just like real people and they are all so different from each other. Once you've watched this, you shouldn't have any trouble telling your Henley from your Frey or knowing which Don is which. They're articulate, the stories are entertaining but we're also waiting for the inevitable to happen. Just to make sure, we get warned of the band's demise early and so we are looking for the cracks.
They don't tell us everything - for that you need to do further research - but there are enough hints of problems even when they're not spelt out. I'd have liked more on the changing relationship between Frey and Henley because that was clearly the elephant in the room. I didn't need more on the break with Don Felder - the essentials were covered and Felder tells his version in every interview he gives for his book/album/tour.
Sorry so late getting back to you with a reply. What made this a great documentary for me is all of the video documentation from the early days and the candidness of the players to speak on camera. The historians really did their homework and the narration told a very detailed story from-start-to-finish of how the band came together and became one of the most successful music groups of the 70s. Loved that there were multiple perspectives from former members and outside witnesses as well so it wasnt all just Frey or Henley's sanitized, one-sided versions of the history that might make them look like the good guys.
Around 2003, I picked up a copy of
Uncut which is an over-priced british music magazine that had a cover story on The Eagles. It was a 14 page history of the band from start to finish right up to the reunion tours. It was fascinating and I learned more about the band than I ever knew from that one article. This movie was like that article come to life.
I'm a music documentary nut and I've watched everything from docs on YES to Prince and Steely Dan. I'm fascinated by the process of music stardom and the histories of rock stars. Plus the backstage gossip is always juicy. Always fascinating to see how band members get along with each other (or not). I think we're always under the impression that because we see musicians jamming onstage and smiling and winking at each other as they play, that they're great friends but often nothing could be further than the truth. Artists can love the magic they create together but hate each other offstage socially. Van Halen comes to mind.
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Flexon
9 years ago
I'm glad you found the time to come back. I'll look out for some of those other music docs.
One aspect that worked for me is the way the Eagles music formed part of the narrative to the story. Other documentaries (like the recent Genesis one) become a succession of music videos of the greatest hits by the end and that can be tough if you're not the biggest fan of the band. Luckily, I discovered that I still like Eagles music even when I haven't heard it for decades.
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