Ezra Edelman has expressed his profound disappointment and frustration regarding the cancellation of his highly anticipated documentary about Prince by Netflix, following a disagreement over the film’s content. This documentary, titled The Book of Prince, represents five years of meticulous work by the Oscar-winning filmmaker, offering a comprehensive nine-hour examination of the legendary musician’s multifaceted life. The cancellation came after Prince’s estate raised objections to certain elements within the finished project, prompting Netflix to pull the plug and instead pursue a new film in direct collaboration with the estate.

“I can’t get past this, of the short-sightedness of a group of people whose interest is their own bottom line,” Edelman articulated in a recent episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out (video below). This statement underscores the tension between artistic integrity and commercial interests in the film industry, particularly concerning a figure as iconic as Prince.

READ MORE: Prince’s Lawyer Claims Documentary Mixes ‘Facts With Falsehoods’

Edelman continued, highlighting the irony in the estate’s concerns about how the documentary would represent Prince’s humanity. He shared that the lawyer managing the estate expressed fears that the portrayal of the artist could cause generational harm, implying that the insights provided in the film might deter younger audiences from appreciating Prince’s artistry. This perspective raises important questions about the role of representation in the legacy of artists and how their stories are told.

While acknowledging that the documentary does not shy away from exploring some of the darker facets of Prince’s character, Edelman contended that these elements contribute to a richer understanding of his artistic contributions, rather than painting an entirely negative picture. He firmly rejected the estate’s claims that the film was riddled with inaccuracies, stating, “It’s a joke.” Edelman explained that the only feedback they provided was a lengthy 17-page document filled with editorial suggestions rather than factual corrections, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity in storytelling. “Do you think I have any interest in putting on a film that is factually inaccurate?” he questioned.

Director Critiques Future Documentary for Lacking Depth and Authenticity

Edelman further criticized the direction of the forthcoming replacement documentary, predicting it would serve as nothing more than “a hagiographic propaganda love letter.” He expressed skepticism about whether this new film would provide any genuine insights into Prince’s life, stating, “Are you going to learn anything about Prince? I doubt it. Are you going to learn anything dark about Prince? I doubt it. Are you going to learn anything complicating about Prince? I doubt it.” This critique highlights a broader concern regarding the growing trend of sanitized narratives that prioritize the comfort of subjects over authentic storytelling.

He elaborated on the current cultural landscape, noting that many filmmakers and production companies now seem to prioritize the interests of their subjects. “We live in a culture… where the subject gets to dictate who they are to everybody,” he observed. This shift raises ethical considerations about the relationship between documentary filmmakers and their subjects, particularly when financial agreements influence the portrayal of real-life stories.

In his reflection, Edelman lamented that audiences appear increasingly desensitized to the quality of cinematic storytelling. He remarked, “It’s like they’re being served slop, and they’re getting used to the fact.” In stark contrast, he described his film about Prince as a “full meal,” indicating that it offers a complex, nuanced exploration of the artist’s life that cannot be easily digested. “It’s tough at times,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of depth and authenticity in documentary filmmaking.

Watch Ezra Edelman’s Interview