Is Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

📖 The Core Premise

Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For returns to the screen in 2000, bringing a fresh narrative to the Music, Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Writer-director Charlotte Zwerin performs sleight of hand with this beautifully composed documentary, originally produced for public television's American Masters series. Created nearly four years after Ella Fitzgerald's death, Zwerin's film uses the lush voice and superb repertoire of "the First Lady of Song" to provide continuity while assembling convincing, if composite, narrative quotes gleaned from various interviews. The latter are noteworthy given the singer's lifelong modesty and insistence on privacy. Archival footage of early performances, as well as later television appearances, capture Ella's pilgrimage from Depression-era New York, through her discovery at the Apollo Theater and subsequent emergence as a swing vocalist and on to her long career as a matchless pop and jazz stylist. Tony Bennett is a sympathetic narrator, while added affection and insight are provided through"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Tony Bennett shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For worth your time? If you appreciate Music, Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 86 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.