IN RESTLESS DREAMS: THE MUSIC OF PAUL SIMON, US, 2023. Directed by Alex Gibney. 209 minutes. Rated PG (Mile themes and coarse language).
With the title taken from ‘Sounds of Silence’, Paul Simon immediately named, and director Gibney’s more than two decades of outstanding documentaries, we know what we expect to see and hear. Actually, that may be true of older generations, including this reviewer. But, this is also an opportunity for younger audiences to get to know and appreciate Simon and his music. And, we get our money’s worth – music, lyrics, career and life, in a 3.5-hour runtime.
Gibney opens his film in 2021, the year Simon turns 80, visiting him at his home and studio in Texas where he lives with his supporter, collaborator and wife of more than 30 years, Edie Brickell. Simon explains that he had a dream in 2019 which had influenced him to work on a poetic ensemble of songs, Seven Psalms.
We follow the chronological development of Paul Simon’s life and career, from Queens, New York, Jewish background (though, interestingly, no religious influence specifically on his lyrics all music), his childhood friendship with Art Garfunkel, the early singing together, Simon’s early songs, not entirely successful, his going to England and singing in clubs in London, and in his first failed album, Sounds of Silence.
The first half of the documentary covers the period from 1963 to 1970. Because of his long career, there is an abundance of photos, television appearances and interviews, to draw on and they’re interestingly incorporated throughout the film. And, those popular songs of the time, ‘Feelin’ Groovy’, ‘I am a Rock’, ‘Scarborough Fair’ (and a glimpse of Simon accompanying a screeching Miss Piggy on The Muppet Show), and some detailed explanations and visuals of creating the score for Mike Nichols The Graduate, and some detail about ‘Here’s to you, Mrs Robinson’.
Then there is the break with Art Garfunkel. Garfunkel is not interviewed for this film but the director is able to use a great deal of radio and television footage. We hear of the reasons – personal professional – and then the later reunion and successful concerts in Central Park.
The film also explores Simon’s solo career, ‘Bridge over Troubled Waters’, ‘El Condor Passa’, as well as many appearances on television shows, especially Saturday Night Live (with George Harrison, with John Lennon . . .).
The 1980s were difficult, the failure of his semi-autobiographical film with his son, One Trick Pony, a failed album, his marriage to Carrie Fisher, the collapse of the marriage and Fisher’s explanations. The second part of the 1980s was highly significant, a visit to Jamaica, discovering reggae, but also a visit to South Africa, working with black musicians, the creation of the Grammy-winning album, Graceland, and the subsequent criticism of his working with the Africans, arguing that he was not critical enough of the apartheid regime.
Listening to Simon’s lyrics, watching them written on the screen, we realise how poetic he was, popular, existential, probing, deeply humane, the touch of the mystical, which is communicated movingly in the creation of Seven Psalms.
Simon has been greatly honoured throughout his career with music and humanitarian awards. He is considered one of the greatest of popular American songwriters. The great value of this film is Simon’s own appearance throughout. Not exactly warts-and-all, but some warts and limitations. But, seeing him creative, peaceful, agreeable, means a happy ending for him and for us.
Madman Films
Released 30 May