Neil Young - Under Review: 1976-2006

The music documentary film, Neil Young - Under Review: 1976-2006, released in 2007, delves deep into Neil Young's phenomenal career, highlighting the period post-1976. A remarkable portrait of one of rock music's most influential and paradoxical figures, the 2-hour film uses interviews, concert footage, music videos, and commentary to portray the elements that make up Young's enduring musical persona.

Starring influential figures including Robert Christgau, John Einarson, and Barney Hoskins, the movie focuses on Young's work as a singer-songwriter and performing artist, besides remembering the significant contributions he made to the bands he was associated with such as Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Robert Christgau, one of America's most respected music journalists, provides perceptive insights into Young's songwriting prowess. On the other hand, the illustrious music writer and historian, John Einarson, gives the viewers an intimate understanding of Young's early band days. They present an in-depth perspective on how Neil Young created and maintained his musical identity while being part of several bands and his solo work.

Based on comprehensive analysis, reviews, and critiques, the film covers Young's entire professional life. It includes extensive examination and frank exchange of views about his and his bands' work, the pivotal solo albums, and the most significant collaborations that distinguished his career from 1976 to 2006.

The meticulous approach of Barney Hoskins, the renowned British music journalist and critic, makes it possible for the audience to appreciate the genius of Young as he moved through various phases in his career. The film particularly underscores the unanticipated transitions and stylistic digressions that he seamlessly executed to keep himself relevant to the times and his audience.

At the heart of the film is Neil Young, of course, the enigmatic personality who was consistently a significant force in the music industry for decades. Besides being a singer and multi-instrumentalist, Neil Young was also a producer, director, screenwriter, and humanitarian. The movie provides an overview of these aspects, apart from giving glimpses of his struggles and triumphs.

Neil Young - Under Review: 1976-2006 provides a detailed understanding of Young's soundscapes from different periods. Each segment of his career is sprinkled with memorable moments shared by the contributors, making them relatable to the audience and providing them with a more intimate understanding of his work. As well as giving an overview of Young's musical journey, the movie captures the influences that shaped his sound and the evolution of his unique style across decades.

The documentary includes rare interviews and performances of Neil Young, ranging from intimate live gigs to grand stage performances. It results in a candid and comprehensive portrait of one of popular music's most talented, dedicated, and uncompromising artists. The documentary's narrative, driven by firsthand accounts from people who worked closely with Young, sheds light on his unwavering pursuit of artistic vision, even in the face of criticism and commercial pressures.

The film chimes in with critically acclaimed archival footage, presenting some of the memorable moments from Neil Young's life and career. This thoughtful and thorough retrospective captures the energy, passion, and innovation of Young's body of work, analyzing his music's evolution over the years. The viewer is left with a unique appreciation of Young's range as an artist who could effortlessly slide between acoustic folk ballads to hard rock tunes.

Unique to this documentary is its objective critique. Despite Young's iconic status, the film does not shy away from moments of critique, acknowledging low points and missteps in his career. This creates a balanced analysis of his career, offering viewers a realistic glimpse into what it truly means to be an artist of his caliber and longevity.

Neil Young - Under Review: 1976-2006 is an engaging, insightful, and authentic window into the life and work of a generational talent. It caters to a broad spectrum of viewers, from die-hard Neil Young fans eager to understand more about their idol, to general music enthusiasts interested in the history of rock.