Van Morrison: Under Review 1964-1974

Van Morrison: Under Review 1964-1974 is a feature-length documentary that delves into the life and career of the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter, Van Morrison, who has left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music. Released in 2008 and directed by Thomas Arnold, this critical review chronicles Morrison's flourishing career during a critical decade, taking into account both his solo work and his time with the band, 'Them.'

The film features extensive footage of Morrison, from concert performances to rare interviews. It not only offers viewers a comprehensive visual tour through the artist's key working period but brilliantly mirrors the influences, obsessions, and distinctive musical style of one of rock music's enduring figures. The dynamic interplay between Van Morrison's footage and insights from respected music journalists and critics allows the viewers to comprehend the depth and breadth of his remarkable career more cogently.

In Van Morrison: Under Review 1964-1974, emphasis is placed on understanding the events and circumstances that shaped Morrison's unique blend of rock, soul, jazz and traditional Irish folk music. Moreover, viewers are given an understanding of how Morrison's birthplace, Belfast, and his Irish roots, helped shape his distinctive and soulful sound.

One of the documentary's main characters is Gavin Martin, a respected music journalist, whose incisive commentary and analysis anchor the narrative's timeline. He, along with other music critics in the film, provides an insightful and measured critique of Morrison's body of work during this important decade.

The film traverses through a wide array of Morrison's collection, starting with his early work with 'Them,' a Northern Irish band formed in the mid-60s. It provides detailed analysis of hit songs like 'Gloria' and 'Here Comes the Night' and underlines how the band was pivotal in shaping Morrison's early musical development. From there, the film segues into the artist's flourishing solo career, featuring albums like Astral Weeks, Moondance, and Into the Music.

One of the main highlights of the documentary is a thorough exploration of Morrison's most celebrated album, "Astral Weeks.” The film charts the album's inception, recording process, and eventual release, shedding light on what makes the album an enduring classic. The unique blend of folk, blues, jazz, and classical music produced an album completely ahead of its time, and these elements are examined in close detail.

The documentary is also notable for its exploration of Morrison's understated and elusive personality. The artist is renowned for keeping his personal life private, a habit that has led to a wealth of speculation and intrigue. Arnold's documentary, while respecting this privacy, is able to hint at the complexities of Morrison's character, through interviews and critiques, without delving into sensationalism.

The film concludes with a reflective overview of its featured decade, a period that brought great success and transformation for Morrison. Critics and fans alike get to assess his transition from a member of a popular rock band to a solitary figure producing deeply personal and intricate work.

Van Morrison: Under Review 1964-1974 provides a comprehensive look at a music icon's most formative years, offering an insightful examination of his catalog and career. This documentary will captivate both music historians and Morrison's dedicated fans alike - an immersive journey into the world of a legendary artist.

Overall, the documentary balances its adept exploration of Morrison's music with a tasteful depiction of his personal life and mindset, providing audiences with a holistic understanding of what made Morrison such an influential figure in music. The film in essence, is a testament to Van Morrison's extraordinary talent, his undeniable influence on the musical landscape and a celebration of ten years that shaped the icon. With Thomas Arnold at the helm and featuring supremely insightful commentary from Gavin Martin and other critics, Van Morrison: Under Review 1964-1974 is a compelling, in-depth analysis of an artist's most prolific decade.