STORYLINE: Never-before-seen footage, exclusive voice messages, and accounts from Jeff Buckley’s inner circle paint a captivating portrait of the gifted musician who died tragically in 1997, having only released one album. (IMDb)

   There is an expectation with documentaries about musicians and music that thst viewer will become familiar with the subjects music.  With films such as The Wrecking Crew (2008), Searching for Sugarman (2012), Muscle Shoals (2013), and 20 Feet From Stardom (2013) I thought this was, very much, the case.  I saw the ads for the document about Jeff Buckley, It’s Never Over Jeff Buckley, and went to see it, unfamiliar with the artist and Gus music.  

    Over the course of the film the viewer gets to know Jeff Buckley, as a human being.  Like many documentaries, the film shows snippets of his creative process, which I always enjoy seeing. The film took focus, as well, at his rise to fame, struggle with addiction, and talent as a performer.  This was shown through interviews with friends, family, and archival footage of Jeff Buckley himself.  All of this is pretty cookie cutter for a documentary of this type.

    While the film features clips of hus music sprinkled throughout, I left without a since of his music.  The music featured was more covers of other artists work then original material, while there was plenty of interviews of how he wrote original content. I was a little frustrated with this fact.  

   Post credits There was a performance of a few songs.  I am under the impression that this is exclusive to the theatrical run of the film, but am unsure. I did have a tough time paying attention to the music because of the presentation of the footage. It was a combination of Blair Witch style shaky cam and noise over a blank white screen. 

     In the end I’m glad I took the chance on seeing it. I liked hearing what music there was on the theaters surround sound.  I liked hearing what supporting the theatrical going experience. 

   Until next time I will see you at the movies!