Paul Kelly: Stories of Me

Paul Kelly: Stories of Me is an engaging 2012 Australian documentary film examining the life and music of one of Australia’s most enduring and influential musicians - Paul Kelly. It stars Paul Kelly himself along with Mick Thomas, Michael Barclay, and an appearance by Kasey Chambers, among others. This documentary demonstrates the genuine intimacy that Kelly's songs manage to achieve, as well as offering some little-known stories about his life, his thoughts, and his creative processes. The film is directed by Ian Darling and produced by Shark Island Productions.

In this charming and revelatory venture, viewers get an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of a musical icon. The feature-length documentary delves deep into the man behind the music - from his struggling childhood in Adelaide, to the genesis of his career in Melbourne, to his rise to national and international fame. It’s a rich and involved narrative that’s incredibly engaging to watch, both for long-time fans and those new to Paul Kelly's music.

Using concert footage, old family movies, talking-head interviews from Kelly's friends, family, bandmates and lovers, and scenes of Kelly himself reflecting on life, the film provides a well-rounded look at his career and influence. It isn't just another rock documentary, but is instead a thoughtful exploration of the person behind the persona - honest, upfront, and deeply personal. His thoughts on his music, success, failures, and life in general would reach out to anyone, regardless of their knowledge of his music.

Throughout the film, there are gorgeous visuals captured by the filmmakers, such as Paul biking through various cities in Australia, or sitting backstage in dressing rooms waiting to perform. These visuals, tied with narratives from his songs, paint a candid and warm picture of Paul Kelly that reveals more than interviews ever could.

Music makes up a good portion of the documentary, understandably. From his earliest songs to his newer material, the documentary dives into the inspirations behind Kelly's music, its evolution through the years, and the impact his work has had on the Australian music industry, and his fans. Kelly's music has been influenced by a multitude of factors, including the deeply woven tapestry of Australian culture, the trials and tribulations of his personal life, and the changing times around him. His lyrics, both simple and profound, resound with a poetic and lyrical quality that sets him apart in the music world.

The film segues skilfully between Kelly's music, his personal life, and his philosophies. Engaging interviews with his family and friends provide a broader perspective on how Kelly’s career has impacted those around him. Their anecdotes, coupled with personal accounts from co-musicians such as Michael Barclay and Kasey Chambers, add incredible depth and insight into the enigmatic character that Kelly is.

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of Paul Kelly: Stories of Me is the pure, unfiltered honesty depicted. There's an open frankness to the documentary as it doesn’t shy away from discussing the more challenging aspects of Kelly's life, including relationships, the death of loved ones, and struggles with drugs. However, it does so with sensitivity and respect, offering a touching and beautifully human portrayal of an iconic musician.

Throughout Paul Kelly: Stories of Me, viewers are privy to the unvarnished truth of who Paul Kelly is, both as an individual and as a legendary musician. It is a comprehensive and truthful account of an acclaimed, multifaceted artist who has not merely seen it all, but has also managed to enthral audiences for decades with his exceptional music.

As a quintessential music documentary, the film succeeds stellarly, but it also stands as a touching personal portrait - of an artist, a poet, a dreamer, and a complex human being. An authentic and depth-filled exploration, Paul Kelly: Stories of Me is as engaging and enchanting as the man and his music. It is as much for the die-hard Paul Kelly fan as for the individual who appreciates a beautifully told human story about life, music, and everything in between.