Is You Gave Me A Song: The Life and Music of Alice Gerrard Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of You Gave Me A Song: The Life and Music of Alice Gerrard (2019), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary, Music. 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. "You Gave Me A Song offers an intimate portrait of old-time music pioneer Alice Gerrard and her remarkable, unpredictable journey creating and preserving traditional music. The film follows eighty-four year old Gerrard over several years, weaving together verité footage of living room rehearsals, recording sessions, songwriting, archival work, and performances with photos and rare field recordings. Much of the film is told in Alice’s voice and via interviews with musical collaborators and family members who share the story of Alice and others chasing that high lonesome sound."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Alice Gerrard 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 Documentary. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is You Gave Me A Song: The Life and Music of Alice Gerrard worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, Music films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2019, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, You Gave Me A Song: The Life and Music of Alice Gerrard is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 77 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.