By Mark Saldana
Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
David Crosby may not be the nicest rock and roll hippie in the world, but he is definitely a legendary talent. This documentary about the former Byrd/supergroup member gives audiences an intimate look at the life and career of an artist who is mostly unapologetic about his silver tongue, but is actually somewhat regretful about some of his life choices. Producer Cameron Crowe and director A.J. Eaton takes Crosby’s fans down mermory lane and introduce newbies to the fascinating, and sometimes moving, ups and downs that Crosby experienced throughout a life of fame and infamy.
Through a mix of archival footage and intimate interviews with David Crosby and his loved ones/associates, Easton’s film reveals a broken hearted and sensitive David Crosby. As he is about to embark on a solo tour, Crosby takes the director and crew to some of his old stomping grounds in California and Laurel Canyon where he lived, made music and struggled with a serious drug habit. At the same time, the film also portrays the singer/songwriter as a prideful, temperamental man who has a nasty habit of burning personal bridges often. I suppose it is a mainly one-sided documentary, but at least some of his former band mates and friends are allowed to defend themselves.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this film. Though I was quite familiar with his music and hus drug problems, I found that there was much to learn about his fascinating personal life. After watching the doc, I still have much respect for Crosby’s talent, but am somewhat bewildered by his difficult personality. I suppose it is an impressive feat that Eatin and Crowe manage to offer such a telling portrait about a man who has a penchant for wrecking personal relationships. I highly recommend this film mainly for fans of Crosby and those interested in a rollercoaster ride through one of music’s legendary artists.