Photo by Merri Cyr (courtesy Magnolia Pictures)
“I just love when men use their voice subconsciously.”
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley captures the poet/singer’s attempt to express himself in a world that he feared would try to control his creativity.
Director Amy Berg provides deep cut interviews, never-before-seen footage and an artistic approach to the complicated life of a performer who wanted to have space to explore his musical expression, but was thwarted by controlling social factors.
“Love, anger, joy, depression . . . Zeppelin.”
Jeff Buckley‘s four-octave range, along with his ability to produce covers of his favorite artists (including Judy Garland, Led Zeppelin, and particularly Nina Simone) greatly influenced his unique sound. His depth is displayed in Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” now considered one of the top 10 covers of all time.
However, Buckley’s genre could not be clearly categorized by producers, hindering his ability to produce a pop hit. The documentary’s candid interviews clarify Buckley’s frustrations with the music industry, eventually leading to his mental breakdown.
Though many people assume he succumbed to drugs—following the path of his father who died at 29 from a heroin overdose—this film makes it clear that was not the case. Poignant footage and recordings reveal the passion and free spirit with which Buckley lived his life. Because he grew up seeing abuse, he was a champion of women.
“Looking for answers from a ghost.”
Buckley’s only studio release, Grace, debuted in 1994. He toured for two-and-a-half years, wearing him and his band to a frazzle, and not giving him time to work on the much-in-demand next studio album. Saying he was going to write 100 songs in five weeks, Buckley secluded himself and tried to find answers away from the prying eyes of New York.
Pressures to provide new music eventually caught up to him, and the film details his final year—a powerful experience that can lead a person to seek the answers to questions that haunt them.
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is mesmerizing; many live performances are included throughout the movie and his voice is heard in many interviews. The experience is eerie, sad, and beautiful all at the same time.
Be sure to stay in your seats through the credits. Footage of a powerful Buckley solo performance punctuates his power of expression and serves as a fitting finale for a complicated life.
Editor’s Note: It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is now playing at The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre.