The unauthorized biography of the Patron Saint of Indie Rock.The unauthorized biography of the Patron Saint of Indie Rock.The unauthorized biography of the Patron Saint of Indie Rock.
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Elliott Smith
- Self
- (archive footage)
Storyline
Featured review
Heartfelt & Intimate Work Reflecting Elliott Smith's Inner Circle & Their Reactions To Who He Was & Why He Ended His Life
I recently watched Searching for Elliott Smith and would highly recommend it as an informative, "bird's eye view" on the trajectory of his demise. Gil Reyes, the filmmaker, sought out many of those closest to Elliott Smith and does an excellent job conveying their thoughts, fears, sadness, confusion, even clarity on why his life ended in such a tragic way.
Elliott Smith possessed a rare depth and a knowing, as well as a singular understanding of music, that was ahead of his time and inimitable. He touched and continues to touch so many.
I had only known his work vis-a-vis that stellar musicianship; those songs my young son played constantly after losing his own father. These songs helped heal both of us through deep grief. We've spent many days watching the videos of his live performances and interviews on YouTube; visiting (and writing on) the Elliott Smith Wall in Silverlake, speculating as to why someone imbued with such a wild gift would be struck by an unflinching depression that would ultimately lead to his suicide.
The documentary was a window that helped me see and understand Elliott Smith through the lives of those who knew and loved him so well. And most importantly, it gave a voice to the love of his life, Jennifer Chiba; an opportunity to explain, in her words, what happened on that final day that he chose to end his life.
Reyes creates an intimacy in this film, so that the viewer feels like he or she is in the room too. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in knowing more about one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time.
--Susan Hayden, Santa Monica, CA
Elliott Smith possessed a rare depth and a knowing, as well as a singular understanding of music, that was ahead of his time and inimitable. He touched and continues to touch so many.
I had only known his work vis-a-vis that stellar musicianship; those songs my young son played constantly after losing his own father. These songs helped heal both of us through deep grief. We've spent many days watching the videos of his live performances and interviews on YouTube; visiting (and writing on) the Elliott Smith Wall in Silverlake, speculating as to why someone imbued with such a wild gift would be struck by an unflinching depression that would ultimately lead to his suicide.
The documentary was a window that helped me see and understand Elliott Smith through the lives of those who knew and loved him so well. And most importantly, it gave a voice to the love of his life, Jennifer Chiba; an opportunity to explain, in her words, what happened on that final day that he chose to end his life.
Reyes creates an intimacy in this film, so that the viewer feels like he or she is in the room too. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in knowing more about one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time.
--Susan Hayden, Santa Monica, CA
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- HaydenAllport
- Jul 19, 2014
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- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
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- Also known as
- Buscando a Elliott Smith
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 20 minutes
- Color
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Top Gap
By what name was Searching for Elliott Smith (2009) officially released in Canada in English?
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