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Post by revin2go on Sept 6, 2019 20:57:14 GMT -5
Fans, it was GREAT. I just loved it. It was beautifully crafted and I must applaud the directors, producers and everyone involved.
First, the theater was packed. I must also say this was the most respectful theater audience I have been a member of in a very long time. Of course, the majority of the patrons were of a certain age and refinement, but I can honestly say no one was eating (how often can you say that in a movie theater?), texting or talking throughout the viewing. Everyone had his/her attention fully on the screen. I was impressed actually. That says something right there to the quality of the material.
The documentary was very carefully crafted and presented in a very thoughtful and respectful way. Even the casual fans were thoroughly impacted. I must say the sound was very impressive. One would feel as if he/she was right there in the concert hall when live footage was shown. The team picked only the best concert footage and presented Linda in the absolute best light. As die-hard fans, we know the back story but there are a few surprises. One that garnered the heartiest laugh from the audience was when Linda recounted her seeing The Doors for the first time. She stated, "I thought the band had great potential if they could only get rid of that lead singer." Haha
I won't give too much away, but the ending will definitely tug at the emotions. Despite what she admits, Linda can still sing but it was heartbreaking to see her struggle for a note here and there and to see her shaking. Emmylou breaks down a bit and that was a very emotional moment. I also got the feeling that Linda was the true love of J.D. Souther's life.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame footage was a great way to close the piece and the audience applauded enthusiastically.
I will definitely see the movie again. I'm sure you will enjoy it as well.
Long live our lovely Linda!
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Post by germancanadian on Sept 6, 2019 21:20:14 GMT -5
Sounds great, you're lucky you live in a city where it's airing. It isn't showing in Canada even though she's very popular here too. What was the age range and gender balance of the crowd? I'm a man and close to 41, I think I'm a bit younger than most of her fans.
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Post by Dianna on Sept 6, 2019 21:52:34 GMT -5
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Post by erik on Sept 6, 2019 21:59:57 GMT -5
The wider release is not until a week from tonight, and there was very little that I could find even for the L.A. area. However, it is being shown at the Arclight Theater (once known as the Cinerama Dome) in Hollywood in its limited release first week
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2019 7:31:03 GMT -5
Thanks for the review. The theater in New York I wanted to go to has been sold out for a few days. I'll probably go later in the week
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Post by PoP80 on Sept 7, 2019 12:04:59 GMT -5
If you don't catch it at Film Forum, I think it's coming soon to Landmark 57. Great to read all the positive reviews and hope that some of the younger generation sees the film to understand what all the hoopla was about. Most have no clue what a force of nature Linda was in her time, or even know much of her music. She had so much more substance and talent than the majority of "superstars" today.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2019 18:45:13 GMT -5
I just purchased a ticket for the movie in Montclair NJ, just a few miles from me. The show is next week and I am very much looking forward to it.
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GLinNC
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Post by GLinNC on Sept 13, 2019 17:14:36 GMT -5
Very well done, and I wasn’t disappointed in the least. Many beautiful photos I had never seen before, and I appreciated that. I especially enjoyed the short segments with her brother Peter and with Bobby Kimmel. I think my favorite part was the closing scene where she is doing the best she can to sing with her cousin and her nephew—and it happens to be one of my favorites of hers, “A la Orilla de un Palmar”. The theater owner and I have had many good chats over the years, and he knew this particular film was extra-special to me. He apparently watched the first showing as well because when it was over, he came up to me and said, “I never knew that was Linda Ronstadt singing ‘Different Drum’.” I replied, “You know—you’re not the first person who’s said that to me...”. Here is a photo of the wonderful lady who sold me the ticket (at The Grail Moviehouse), and when I asked her if they had the t-shirts for sale, she said, “No, they gave us these.” Whenever you have the opportunity to see “The Sound of My Voice,” you’re in for a very special viewing experience. So very grateful this film was made.  |
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Post by PoP80 on Sept 13, 2019 18:10:45 GMT -5
Just saw the film and thought it was wonderful! I pretty much cried through the whole thing because it brought back so many memories, but it was well worth it. It's really remarkable when you see the body of Linda's work capsulized and how successful she was in so many different genres. I feel very blessed to have met her and will always hold her music dear to my heart.
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Post by Cyberian Husky on Sept 13, 2019 20:37:16 GMT -5
I went to a matinee showing of 'Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice' earlier this afternoon in at an AMC in Orange, California since it was playing near me and I had some free time.
It's definitely worth seeing and much more informative than her autobiography, probably due to the additional information supplied by the numerous interviews with those around her, including extensive clips with Peter Asher, J. D. Souther, Emmylou and several others.
There's a little more personal information, for instance regarding her relationships with Souther and Jerry Brown who, as I recall, was barely mentioned in her book. (Though no mention of her reported relationship with George Lucas.) I agree that Souther seems to still be in love with her.
There are several rare clips from her early, Stone Poney and solo days as well as other clips that I'd never seen before.
However unless, like me, you just can't wait for it to come out on DVD or appear on CNN, and it happens to be playing near you, I don't think it's the type of movie that necessarily needs to be seen in a theater. In fact, there's one argument against it.
While it's a treat seeing those rare old clips, some of them are pretty grainy when blown up on the big screen. Imagine blowing up some of those old You Tube videos to the size of a movie screen. I assume that they restored those clips as best they could but I suspect that they'll look better at home on TV rather than blown up to Movie Screen size.
Another minor complaint is that the musical journey pretty much ends with 1989's Aaron Neville recordings. So there's no mention at all of her excellent '90s recordings like 'Winter Light' and 'Feels Like Home' or even her final 2006 album with Ann Savoy.
Also no mention of her adopted children etc.
But a BIG surprise comes with the final scene, filmed earlier this year in 2019, in which she harmonizes with her nephew on guitar and her cousin on accordion. Her harmonies are spot on. She sings on key and blends her voice perfectly with her family members.
Afterwards, the person filming asks, "I thought you couldn't sing anymore."
To which Ronstadt replies, "That's not really singing".
What that says to me is that Linda is (and always has been) SUCH a perfectionist that what SHE considers being "unable" to sing, actually means just being unable to sing up to her own high technical expectations.
But, judging from that final scene, she's STILL capable of sounding great and could probably still contribute harmonies to a duet album or something where her voice isn't overtaxed too much.
In other words, Linda Ronstadt, at 8% of her former capacity, is STILL better than most modern singers at 110%.
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Post by Larrytoday on Sept 13, 2019 23:10:05 GMT -5
I agree with cyberianhusky. Although I've loved Linda since the beginning of her career, and consider her THE voice of my lifetime, I wish this documentary would have dug a level deeper. I am happy to think that people not familiar with her music might be introduced to her remarkable talent through this documentary, but I can't help wondering if the same documentarians that gave us The Times Of Harvey Milk had chosen to give us an equally heartfelt documentary this time around. I don't need to hear the dirty details of her romances, but I do want to hear more about the quality of her voice, the song choices and much more room could have been given to her very intelligent, concise opinions about the music industry throughout her career. This is a sweet tribute which I am glad to have seen, but the surprises were few for anyone who has seriously followed her career.
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Post by eddiejinnj on Sept 14, 2019 7:42:36 GMT -5
I guess they felt they had to to do a primer but it sounds like they should have represented all phases of her life musically. To leave out the 90's -2000's is not a thorough archive of her MUSIC history which she wanted as the focus and is fine with me. eddiejinnj
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Post by PoP80 on Sept 14, 2019 7:52:36 GMT -5
My expectation was that I would be familiar with 99% of what was covered in the film. Of course, they could have gone into much more depth in certain areas, but it mainly followed the trajectory of the book. I saw the movie with two friends who are not "Ronstadtmaniacs" and there was a great deal they didn't know about Linda beforehand. For example, one of my friends was stunned that Linda wasn't inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame until 2014. This film is mainly for the masses, who enjoyed Linda's music but didn't know much about her character or the details of her life. I'm satisfied with the fact that the film was made and pays tribute to Linda's musical legacy.
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Post by Larrytoday on Sept 14, 2019 18:45:07 GMT -5
POP80, I'm glad the documentary was made, too, as I stated. But it still would have been great if people who knew a bit more about her music were treated to something a little deeper. Think of the smart, articulate interviews she gave to Rolling Stones during the 70s or her Playboy interview where she went into some detail about evolving from album to album, thoughts on the difference in the music industry from decade to decade, etc. Maybe someone like John Rockwell who has written extensively about her voice and career could have been introduced, and even a critic less enamored (but not venomous) about her music who had something to say. The RRHOF is a nice factoid about an award she didn't even care about. Her book was also short on details and maybe that has to do with her illness along with some disinterest in visiting the past. The documentary is what it is, and it is a valentine to Linda.
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Post by PoP80 on Sept 15, 2019 7:24:17 GMT -5
Of course, that would be greatly appreciated! I totally understand your frustration about the lack of fresh material and limited detail. You guys have come up with a number of valid suggestions for future projects, so perhaps you could pitch some of these to the powers that be.
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Post by gboiler1 on Sept 16, 2019 6:25:16 GMT -5
Saw movie at the ArcLight in Chicago. Commented to wife during previews about what a good sound system this theatre has. And sooo glad. For those of you that are lucky enough to have a choice, good sound system really beneficial for this. Lots of tears, the movie is great.
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Post by Partridge on Sept 16, 2019 13:10:30 GMT -5
Yes, I think the soundtrack has 8 channels of sound. Difficult to recreate in your home environment.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2019 21:09:11 GMT -5
I just saw the film and enjoyed it thoroughly. While most of the people here will be familiar with what is presented, there are lots of clips and photos that were new to me (and I've seen plenty). Luckily the theater had Dolby sound and even my aging ears appreciated it.
One cannot help but be impressed by Linda's depth of talent, and also her forming sister relationships with other female musicians. Linda also was gracious in giving her blessing to Don Henly and Glenn Frey in forming the Eagles when she was just getting started, I can imagine the flood of lawsuits which could develop in a different kind of environment.
Overall, a worthy overdue project done well. If it is a Valentine to Linda, it is damn well deserved...
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Post by the Scribe on Sept 19, 2019 21:28:46 GMT -5
I just saw the film and enjoyed it thoroughly. While most of the people here will be familiar with what is presented, there are lots of clips and photos that were new to me (and I've seen plenty). Luckily the theater had Dolby sound and even my aging ears appreciated it. One cannot help but be impressed by Linda's depth of talent, and also her forming sister relationships with other female musicians. Linda also was gracious in giving her blessing to Don Henly and Glenn Frey in forming the Eagles when she was just getting started, I can imagine the flood of lawsuits which could develop in a different kind of environment. Overall, a worthy overdue project done well. If it is a Valentine to Linda, it is damn well deserved...
Hopefully this will cement "legend" status.
Upon reflection, it seems to me her Parkinson's announcement was the beginning of a landslide of well deserved attention and it gave some kind of ending to a successful life story that writers and directors strive for in their art. Linda goes past that and triumphs even in spite of Parkinson's and continues to move forward. She sure is a stubborn cuss and a wonderful role model for women and anyone lucky enough to grow old while heading into that sunset on their own terms. |
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Post by Ricearoni-1 on Sept 19, 2019 22:00:15 GMT -5
Saw the film today in SF. It's playing in several theaters here. Very enjoyable for me - from living on the PCH, to seeing her at home, the performance pieces, hearing how adored she is, etc. I've recommended it to several friends. Spouse and I will see it together next week. Well worth a second viewing.
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Post by erik on Sept 19, 2019 23:36:54 GMT -5
I saw the film last Sunday in Pasadena with my mother, and have posted a full review of it on Amazon (see the thread THE SOUND OF MY VOICE--THE REVIEWS).
The film was being showed in a relatively small theater at Laemmle's Playhouse 7 Cineplex in mid-town Pasadena, with, I think, probably sixty seats. For all the talk we've done on the film on the forum since we heard about this film seven months ago, and for all the reviews we've read leading up to the film's release, I have to confess that I was as nervous as hell about seeing it. Having been a fan since 1978, I probably shouldn't have been; but for some reason, I had a severe case of nervousness that I had never felt about seeing any film in my life.
The theater was fairly well attended (this was the first showing, at 11 AM); and the film thus unfolded. In general, since this wasn't a "blockbuster" in a big multiplex, and because the crowd was, dare I use this PC term, chronologically challenged, people were well-behaved. The interview and concert footage involving Linda herself was, as advertised, incredible. The segment where she was interviewed by the Australian TV talk show host in 1983, following her then-controversial tour of South Africa, provoked a good deal of witty and knowing laughter over her reasons for touring a country whose racial policies she virulently opposed, and pointing out that there was no use in not performing any place where there was racism, including here in America, and that she vehemently opposed the then-current commander-in-chief's nuclear policy ("Who likes nuclear war?!"). The interviews with Jackson, Emmylou, Dolly, John Boylan, Peter Asher, and others were very moving and insightful, pointing out Linda's keen intellect (something that more than a few male chauvinist critics missed back in the 1970s and 1980s).
At the end, when we return to her being with her cousins in Banamichi, and she claims that her harmonizing with them wasn't what she'd call "singing", it was tempting to tear up. But what was even more moving, of course, was Linda, in voice-over, expressing her stoicism in dealing with her Parkinson's condition, the realization that she had had a long career, and that she still had a life to live before she inevitably would have to depart this world.
In the end, THE SOUND OF MY VOICE was an uplifiting look at a life and a career well-lived, and a look back a time when, even with her bouts of self-doubt and shyness, Linda commanded audiences without pyrotechnics, pole dancers, or having to resort to Auto-Tune for "pitch correction". It was just about one of the most extraordinary persons in the history of American popular music.
In summation, it was a MASTERPIECE.
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Post by eddiejinnj on Sept 21, 2019 7:35:55 GMT -5
The 3 of us went to the Thursday matinee in Bonita Springs FL. It was a classy multi-cinema plex. Linda was being shown in the VIP movie room. Unbelievably comfortable recling loungers. There were only like 10 of us in theater. They sat in 2 groups; one on either side of us and like a couple rows back. We were rt in middle with nobody in front of us. It was like a private viewing. It was surreal and felt special. The movie, itself, was great and we all loved it. I really thought Linda did a superb job narrating and how prominent the narration was. I didnt think her narration would involve so much of the movie and more piece meal. Of course, the movie could have been double in length and not cover everything. I am not sure I ever saw the Dick Cavett Show appearance which seemed ackward but she sang LLT superbly. I like that they had the vid of her doing "Rescue Me". The live version that is on album. I know one of the people cheering background at end has been on the forum here. I did notice she said that art and politics separate but i have seen that interview before. The family material was excellent. It was sad that Linda was not there for her mother's death. Loved her father's singing. I made it until the end before the waterworks started. I won't spoil it for those that have not seen it. Thanks, Erik, for your review and all the others. eddiejinfl
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Post by moon on Sept 22, 2019 20:49:23 GMT -5
Going to see it tomorrow. Played in landmark Minneapolis theatre 4 days last week. Now it’s at another landmark Edina . So far playing there all week with 4 showings a day!
And just got my live in Hollywood cd via amazon yesterday. Been playing in my car all day, nice!
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Post by Belle on Sept 23, 2019 15:25:53 GMT -5
Finally got to see this today, at the 12:10pm Matinee by myself. I knew there would be waterworks, and there were (thanks Emmylou).
Like Erik I had butterflies and a little anxiety mixed with excitement all throughout, but it was everything I'd hoped for and more! I am still stunned from all of the reminiscing. It's so important to me that Linda's greatness be remembered, and for people to know what "real" singing is. This doc described how her singing voice came to be, and showed us how it progressed. We bought her music regardless of what genre it was. We just couldn't get enough of that voice.
I appreciate everyone who made this documentary happen, I found it worthy of Linda. I can't wait to see it again with friends. And I will definitely buy the DVD when it's released.
I feel like I'm floating on a cloud today :-)
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Post by PoP80 on Sept 23, 2019 16:12:35 GMT -5
Good move...I went to the movie with friends but sat by myself because I knew it would be a tearjerker for me! I was practically sobbing by the end. I've been thinking about the film a great deal as it affected me deeply to relive the soundtrack of my youth. It also captured her charm and humility very successfully. There will never be another voice quite like Linda's and we're lucky to live in a time when we could appreciate her gifts.
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Post by Dianna on Sept 23, 2019 17:19:38 GMT -5
This doc described how her singing voice came to be, and showed us how it progressed. I'm so happy to hear this... I'm anxious to see this but I'll have to wait till the dvd come out.. |
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Post by Willamette IL Arthouse on Sept 23, 2019 20:36:50 GMT -5
Saw in an old artsy theatre today - 2 in my group and 2 others. Would suggest a more modern theatre with better sound system. There is lots of concert footage that would benefit. Good synopsis in the time allotted. Wonder how much got left on the cutting room floor. Probably would need a KenBurns-esque 5 film series to do her justice. Nice that so much time and photos of her childhood kept.
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Post by moon on Sept 24, 2019 19:37:03 GMT -5
Saw it yesterday. It really was good, very touching. Like we didn’t know it but the movie really reinforces what a great talent LR is
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Post by Richard W on Sept 24, 2019 19:55:57 GMT -5
Saw it yesterday. It really was good, very touching. Like we didn’t know it but the movie really reinforces what a great talent LR is It feels fabulous to be validated after decades of advocacy. |
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Post by erik on Sept 24, 2019 20:52:42 GMT -5
Quote by Richard W:
What would perhaps be just as vindicating, in my opinion, would be to have some of the current major "pop tarts" out there (no offense to Kellogg's, by the way [LOL]) see this movie, and realize just how Linda got to where she got to without any bells or whistles, or under-the-stage trapdoors (are you listening, Taylor?!), just sheer professionalism. That would be the icing on the cake.
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