Thursday 10 August 2017

Review: Glen Campbell:I'll be me - brave and powerful documentary of an iconic figure battling a cruel disease

On the sad passing of the legendary Glen Campbell, I thought it apt to review this 2014 James Keach directed documentary which deals with the country star's initial diagnosis with Alzheimer's and focuses on his attempt at one last tour surrounded by the love and support of his family and also his many many fans.
To put such a public face on this crippling disease and deal with it in such a personal and both heartbreaking and heartwarming fashion was an extremely brave decision on the part of Glen Campbell and his family and director Keach does not let anyone down with the results.
Part musical documentary, part medical documentary but first and foremost the true story of the strong and unrelenting love and support within this family unit, this film grips the viewers attention and emotions from scene one and just doesn't let go.
The heartbreaking effects of this disease on these great man and his family is counteracted by his bravery in giving the audience that last tour and one final chance to experience his brilliance before he gets too ill.
The Campbell family's decision both to participate in this film and have Glen as the public face of this disease has had a monumental effect on the awareness of Alzheimer's and has given the public a more detailed picture of what life is like battling this illness.
Over the near two hour running time, the audience will laugh, cry and generally battle a heartbreaking pain in the pit of their stomachs as they are given back stage access to this family's life and their experiences at this very difficult time.
Concluding in a touching song that Campbell wrote for his wife, this film proves yet again the power of a well made documentary and the lasting effects it can leave on it;s audience. Powerful!
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Glen Campbell: I'll be Me is available to view on Netflix

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