Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010)

Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) Poster

The life and work of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.

Introduction
"Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?)" is an engaging 2010 documentary that delves into the life and profession of Harry Nilsson, among the most skilled yet enigmatic figures in music history. Directed by John Scheinfeld, the movie explores Nilsson's rise to fame, his individual battles, and his long-lasting impact, through a series of interviews, archival footage, and music from Nilsson's substantial catalog. The documentary title uses one of Nilsson's biggest hits, "Everybody's Talkin'", and postures a concern that frames the journey into the singer-songwriter's complicated world.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings
The documentary provides audiences with a glimpse into Nilsson's early life, marked by a childhood without his estranged dad and a family that had a hard time economically. In spite of these problems, Nilsson's natural talent for music and songwriting emerged early, and he ultimately landed a job at a bank where he worked on his music in his spare time. His determination paid off when he secured a recording contract, and his profession started to take off.

Increase to Fame
Harry Nilsson's unique voice and songwriting skills quickly captured the attention of the music market and his peers. He got substantial acclaim with the release of his album "Nilsson Schmilsson", which produced hits like "Without You" and "Coconut". The film highlights Nilsson's unique technique to music; he rarely performed live, focusing instead on studio work and the craft of recording. His skills earned him regard among other artists, consisting of the Beatles, who notoriously hailed him as their preferred American artist.

Personal Struggles and Downfall
The documentary does not avoid illustrating Nilsson's darker side, including his personal struggles. Nilsson's life was spoiled by drug abuse, troubled relationships, and financial troubles, which all added to the decline of his profession. Regardless of minutes of attempted resurgences and critical successes, Nilsson's lifestyle and bad health choices, including extreme drinking and smoking cigarettes, caught up with him and resulted in a dwindling career.

The Legacy of Harry Nilsson
In taking a look at Nilsson's legacy, the movie sheds light on the influence he had on music and fellow musicians. Interviews with popular figures such as Randy Newman, Micky Dolenz, Yoko Ono, and Robin Williams, among others, attest to his impact and the loss felt in the music world following his death. Nilsson's contribution to music was huge and varied, having worked on soundtracks for movies and television as well as influencing a wide variety of artists who cite him as a motivation.

Conclusion
"Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?)" is an effective and emotional tribute to an artist whose life epitomized the highs and lows of popularity, creativity, and individual turmoil. The film provides an intimate portrait of a man whose musical genius was as indisputable as it was overshadowed by his personal devils. Although his life story is tinged with sadness, the documentary commemorates Nilsson's artistry, advising audiences of his contributions to music and the reasons, years after his peak and subsequent death, people are still undoubtedly talkin' about Harry Nilsson.

Top Cast

  • Harry Nilsson (small)
    Harry Nilsson
    Himself / Narrator (archive footage)
  • Richard Perry
    Himself
  • Doug Hoefer
    Himself
  • Jimmy Webb (small)
    Jimmy Webb
    Himself
  • Micky Dolenz (small)
    Micky Dolenz
    Himself
  • Van Dyke Parks (small)
    Van Dyke Parks
    Himself
  • Una Nilsson
    Herself
  • John Lennon (small)
    John Lennon
    Himself (archive footage)
  • Randy Newman (small)
    Randy Newman
    Himself
  • Mark Hudson (small)
    Mark Hudson
    Himself
  • Ringo Starr (small)
    Ringo Starr
    Himself (archive footage)