PLOT SUMMARY: This captivating documentary delves into the extraordinary life and career of singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley, who tragically gained fame posthumously following his untimely and mysterious death at the young age of thirty years.
DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: When evaluating a documentary, one significant aspect I consider is how accessible it is for audiences unfamiliar with the subject matter. This approach can be crucial, especially for figures whose lives have been extensively documented – akin to another film I viewed at Sundance, One to One: John & Yoko. However, when the subject is somewhat niche, like Buckley, this method can limit its audience. I approached It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley with some trepidation since my knowledge of Buckley is primarily confined to his renowned cover of “Hallelujah” and the fact that he passed away at a young age. I feared that I might find myself lost in the film.
Fortunately, director Amy Berg (West of Memphis) masterfully strikes a balance, crafting a poignant documentary that appeals to both devoted fans of Buckley’s music and newcomers eager to learn more about him. For those unacquainted, Buckley was an emerging star in the mid-nineties whose music drew comparisons to the legendary Bob Dylan. His debut album, “Grace”, achieved moderate success in North America but soared in popularity across Europe. At the time of his tragic drowning, Buckley was immersed in creating a second album, which many anticipated would be his breakthrough. Posthumously, “Grace” achieved platinum status, while his interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” ascended to number one, becoming one of the most iconic recordings of our era.
Berg’s film excels in articulating Buckley’s significance within the music landscape and his often tumultuous journey to fame. His record label heralded him as the next sensation, yet his initial album underperformed against the lofty expectations set by the industry. This led him to endure nearly three years of a grueling touring schedule that took a toll on both his personal life and mental well-being. The film poignantly illustrates the pressures faced by an artist striving to find his place while under the watchful eye of the music industry.
Moreover, Buckley’s family background adds layers of complexity to his narrative. He was the son of Tim Buckley, a folk-rock icon who died young at 28 from a heroin overdose, having left his son behind at a tender age. This complicated legacy meant that Buckley grappled with the heavy expectations of his father’s fans while simultaneously struggling with his resentment towards his father’s absence and the desire to carve out his own musical identity. This internal conflict is a central theme explored in the documentary.
The film features heartfelt interviews with Buckley’s closest friends and significant relationships, including two notable girlfriends and, most poignantly, his mother, with whom he shared a deep yet complex bond (she was known for her somewhat intrusive interactions with his fans in early internet chat rooms). As a music enthusiast, I found it particularly intriguing to witness how Buckley wrestled with the desire for artistic authenticity while simultaneously seeking a commercial breakthrough, which always seemed just out of reach. He had a passionate fanbase at the time, with notable figures like Brad Pitt being early supporters (Pitt also served as a producer for the documentary), while renowned musicians like Robert Plant praised his talent.
Despite the support, the weight of expectations bore heavily on Buckley. Berg effectively captures how a sensitive artist like him navigated the pressures imposed by an industry that viewed him primarily as a marketable entity. Ironically, following his death, he became the lucrative figure that the record company had always envisioned him to be. Yet, as viewers, we cannot help but feel a sense of loss, pondering the greatness he might have achieved had he lived longer.
For those who have never encountered the name Jeff Buckley or, like myself, have only a passing familiarity, this documentary serves as an excellent entry point into the rich legacy of music that has remarkably endured in the nearly three decades following his premature passing. Although we lost him far too soon, his artistic contributions have granted him a level of immortality that few artists ever attain.
