Today's movie is a tough movie. In 2011, the legendary guitarist and singer was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease just as he was releasing his 61st album, the presciently named "Ghost On The Canvas." Although Campbell, had already begun experiencing cognitive loss and disorientation, his musical chops and muscle memory were still remarkably vivid. Along with his wife, Kim, and their three children, Campbell decided to tour for the record, an amazing 150-show run that ended in 2012 when he was no longer able to perform.
Filmaker James Keach went along for the ride, including the appointment at the Mayo Clinic when Kim and Glen Campbell first received the diagnosis. With sometimes startling candor, Keach chronicles not just the heartening example Campbell presents of fending off the worst predations of Alzheimer's by staying active and doing what he loves, but the "bad days," when he lashes out with anger and paranoia.
In between soaring performances of such classics as "Wichita Lineman," "Gentle On My Mind" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" at the 2012 Grammy Awards (where Campbell received a lifetime achievement award), "I'll Be Me" includes dozens of testimonials from the singer's colleagues.
As difficult as it is to witness Campbell's struggles, especially when he forgets the names of his wife and children, "I'll Be Me" is an elevating experience, inviting the audience to bear witness to Campbell's courage, humor and spiritual strength. His story may make for a tough movie, but it's an important and triumphant one, as well.
But before we get to the main feature, let's enjoy...
The Pre-Show:
First up, let's warm-up with a cartoon. Betty Boop invites her friend Sally, not just any normal Sally, but Sally Swing, who will surely make us all dance to the magic rhythms of swing. For your pleasure, Shade's offers you not only the original black and white print but a colourized version.
The cartoon is followed by a short documentary of what it was like to live life in the 50s. Nostalgia time! So many things lost, that were simpler and made life easier. And on top of all, we had no complaints.
Last week our "Saturday Night At The Movies" was dedicated to the figure of Robert Johnson, and to some extent: The Devil. Well, for all you guys and gals out there I invite you to witness "Sympathy For The Devil". Lately, we've had the Beatles and their "Get Back" movie all over the place. And people are (still) talking wonders of how we (as viewers) were part of The Beatles exercise of composing some of their songs. Well, now we have the opportunity to assist as a "fly on the wall" experience, the making of a magnificent song: "Sympathy For The Devil". The video rounds off with the live performance (R&R Circus) of said song plus a little surprise with Mick Jagger at the end.
The Main Feature:
Title: Glen Campbell - I'll Be Me
Director: James Keach
Cast: Glen Campbell / Kim Campbell / Ashley Campbell
Release Date: October 24, 2014
Country: United States
