Who is Harry Nilsson

Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him) is a gripping 2010 documentary film that delves into the life and career of one of the most iconic yet enigmatic personalities in the music industry – Harry Nilsson. Packed with illuminating interviews and exclusive footage, this documentary takes viewers on an incredible journey through Nilsson's story, from his humble beginnings to his tumultuous success that earned him a place in the heart of popular music.

The film is studded with commentary from a star-studded line-up, including renowned names like Gerry Beckley, Lee Blackman, and Perry Botkin Jr., amongst others. The narration by these industry gravitates and peers provides context on Nilsson's impact not just on their careers, but also on the overarching music ecosystem.

Nilsson has been a mysterious, often misunderstood figure, known for his angelic voice and for his antics off the stage. Under the expert supervision of director John Scheinfeld, the film unravels many layers to this complex personality. Scheinfeld's delicate yet assertive directing style shines through, painting a vivid and enlightening picture of the man behind the music. A lot of Nilsson's narrative has been shaped by urban legends and unsorted facts, and Scheinfeld sets the record straight with this documentary.

"Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)" opens with the exploration of Nilsson's early life. Audiences are shown his struggling background – growing up in Brooklyn without a father and with an inattentive mother. The film carefully chronicles how those formative years were filled with hardship and how music provided him a means to escape.

Gradually the documentary shifts to his rise to fame. The viewers are taken through Nilsson's first baby steps in the industry - his early career at a Los Angeles bank, his earliest record deals, and the struggles of making it big. Despite his exceptional talent, it wasn’t until The Beatles name-checked him as their favourite American artist that his career took off.

His songs, imbued with a unique sense of melodic beauty that crossed genre boundaries, took the music world by storm. When "Everybody's Talkin'" and "Without You" climbed to the top of the charts, Nilsson’s overnight ascent to fame began. Around the same time, he also won two Grammy Awards, solidifying his place in the music industry. His friends and collaborators provide an intimate look at this stage of his career, sharing anecdotes and insights that encapsulate the heights of his creativity and impact.

However, fame did not come without its challenges. Nilsson, who never performed live or made promotional appearances, had a reputation as a Hollywood hellraiser, notoriously close with John Lennon and Ringo Starr. The film doesn’t shy away from these aspects, delving into the murkier aspects of his celebrity lifestyle. It does an exceptional job chronicling his excessive drinking and drug abuse, his fraught relationships, and the damaging effect it all had on his career.

The latter sections of the documentary deal with the tragic downfall of the man who once sat atop the world of popular music. His eventual descent into obscurity and his untimely death at the age of 52 are handled with utmost sensitivity. Interviews with his children shed light on the man beyond the music and the theatrics, offering a poignant exploration of his final years.

"Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)" is not just a catalogue of Nilsson's life, but also a tribute to his artistry. The use of rare archival footage interspersed with his vibrant discography immerses viewers in the expansive world Nilsson created with his voice and his words.

In conclusion, Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him) is a fascinating, honest, and compassionate study of a tormented talent whose influence resonates even many years after his passing. Regardless of whether you're a die-hard Nilsson fan or just a music enthusiast curious about this forgotten talent, this documentary is a must-see, offering an unforgettable encounter with a unique musical figure.