Wow.
This is what films, particularly documentaries, are all about. Educational. Compelling. Heartfelt. How this thing did not win the Oscar last year is beyond my comprehension.
"Glen Campbell - I"ll Be Me" is that good.
Okay, admittedly, I'm a sucker for the guy's music. I've always enjoyed his huge songbook of hits and I'm currently driving around LA with a CD compilation of his greatest hits. Trust me, there is no more wonderful and lush sound than the opening chords of "Wichita Lineman." which we learned all about in another marvelous documentary about the Wrecking Crew.
So, I was a natural to take in this depiction of what would be Glen Campbell's final tour of America following his diagnosis of Alzheimer's diseases. Glen and the family wanted to document it all on camera and his third wife Kim allows incredible access to their lives as they all adapt to the onset of this horrible affliction. One might argue that she is exploiting her husband's illness and a little of that might be true. At the same time, the footage is still compelling.
Glen, with three children in bow playing in his band, undertakes a grueling schedule of over 100 concerts. One date was at the Hollywood Bowl and I wonder how the hell I missed going to that. As the tour plays out, you watch as the legendary singer slowly, but surely begins to fade out. It is heartbreaking but exhilarating at the same time.
At first, he laughs off the memory lapses as purposeful. He wants to keep less information in his head at the age of 76. But, then, small things start to happen prior to each show. His daughter Ashley, in the band as a keyboard and banjo player, steps him several times when she notices that Dad is a little at sea. But, as soon as the music starts, he is spotless and error-free. Indeed, doctors marvel that his musical talents will be seemingly the last things to go as his world declines.
Throughout it all, you watch as Glen and his family never seem to lose their sense of purpose or humor. At one point, an increased dosage of his Alzheimer's medication works like Viagra and his wife playfully, but appropriately details that development.
As the tour grinds on, Campbell gets a little bit worse and you see the anger build with him. He starts to struggle with the names of his family and his band. But, as soon as he steps on stage, he knows exactly where he is and out come the words, clear as bell, of "Rhinestone Cowboy."
This film is used as an excellent example of the plight of those suffering with Azlheimer's. Both the afflicted as well as the family. Indeed, we've heard nothing from Glen Campbell since the tour ended, so we can all assume that he is now in the full stages of this. God bless him and his family as they deal with these struggles.
Meanwhile, the final moments of the movie show Glen recording the very last song he ever wrote or performed. I believe it was nominated for Oscar's Best Song last year. In the recording studio that day, he is backed by the original members of the Wrecking Crew, the back-up group he also performed with in the 60s. It is a tear-prompting last act that perfectly exemplifies the circle of life.
In whatever way you can check out "Glen Campbell - I'll Be Me," you should do so by all means.
LEN'S RATING: A belated four stars.
Dinner last night: Hot dogs and macaroni salad.
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