Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers

Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers is a 2019 documentary film dedicated to the life and work of Nile Rodgers, a multi-talented musician who has had a significant influence on the music industry.

The movie is primarily a tribute to the deeply influential and virtually ubiquitous body of work of Rodgers who is renowned for his sharp ear and innate talent to craft hit songs. An artist with a unique creative vision, Nile Rodgers truly sits in the pantheon of the world's greatest music creators and innovators. The movie provides a rare glimpse into his creativity and intersecting life moments that has inspired many of his chart-topping classics.

The titular "Once in a Lifetime Sessions" may imply a concert film, but it's far more than that. While it does include numerous sequences of Rodgers and fellow musicians making music together – which are an absolute treat for music enthusiasts – the documentary is uniquely multifaceted, going way beyond mere musical performance.

The film is constructed around a series of intimate interviews and performance footages. It seamlessly transitions from the past to the present, featuring a series of interviews delving into Rodgers' life and career right from his humble beginnings to the pinnacle of musical success. It explores Rodgers' upbringing, his early musical influences, his struggle with drug addiction, and how he established himself as a distinguished name in the music industry.

Moreover, it centers around an all-day studio session where Nile Rodgers, along with his legendary disco band Chic, invites a cadre of musicians to work on new tracks, rework classics, and chat about music. The behind-the-scenes studio footage, interwoven with archive material and conversations, gives viewers a unique look at the creative process of a man who has worked with some of the biggest names in music – from David Bowie and Madonna to Daft Punk.

The 2019 film is an absolute intimacy of Nile Rodgers' music-making process, which lays bare his songwriting genius and distinctive approach to creating megahits. The joyous and sometimes emotional scenes show the magic that happens when Rodgers gets in front of a mixing board or starts strumming his signature funk-flavored guitar chords.

The motivational angle of the movie is also well portrayed. Rodgers’ life is a redemptive story - moving from a challenging childhood marked by substance abuse and societal issues to becoming one of the most successful musicians of his generation speaks volumes about his resilience. This movie serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to overcome tremendous obstacles in their own life.

What sets Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers apart from other music documentaries is its ability to exist as both a deep-dive exploration of an artist’s craft and a concert film of sorts. On one hand, it offers an intimate look at Rodgers’ musical process, his imagination, and his primary tool (his guitar) to create. On the other hand, it captures fantastic performances and live music that any fan of Rodgers or good music, in general, would be thrilled to hear and watch.

Fans of music history and the process of song creation will find the in-depth discussions incredibly enlightening. However, the biographical elements are equally engaging and provide an emotional depth and historical context that often come as unexpected surprises.

All in all, Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers is an engaging documentary film that offers a comprehensive account of Nile Rodgers’ incredible journey. By striking a balance between Rodgers’ personal journey and his revolutionary contributions to the music industry, the filmmakers have crafted an absorbing film that is bound to attract a wide range of viewers – from hard-core fans to uninitiated listeners needing music-induced enlightenment. It is an unmissable tribute to a living legend, his creativity, and his ability to survive and thrive.