I turned this on because I'm a huge fan of Phil Spector's music and his Wall of Sound. I knew all about his dark side. I didn't know anything about Lana Clarkson, the 'B Grade actress' he murdered. The documentary does a brilliant job at destigmatising the label that the media used throughout the trial, denigrating the victim to less than human just because she wasn't an A list celebrity. If anything an actress eluded by success and fame her entire life, like Lana Clarkson is far more relatable to the general public. Just like the majority of us, she had to keep working to make ends meet. She just happened to be blessed with exceptionally better looks than the rest of us, so her vocation was actor as opposed to accountant or teacher.
Why does someone who pursues their passion in the art or entrainment world have to be famous and financially successful to be vindicated as good at their job, or just good at life ? 99.9% of those who try, don't succeed. We only hear of the anomalies who do, and we tend to think that's the norm. In an interview, Phil Spector stresses the part ''timing'' played in his success, I'll simplify it even more and say him just being lucky played the biggest part. There are exceptionally talented musicians, actors, film makers, songwriters, producers who will never be discovered because there's only so much room , and because they just aren't as lucky as someone like the Phil Spectors of this world are.
Granted, it is extremely sad and tragic that someone like Lana Clarkson is more famous for how she died than how she lived. And I'm sure she and the people who loved her would rather Lana still be walking this earth and never had met Phil Spector on that fatal night if it meant never having this documentary made about her. But having said that, this film at least shone the spotlight she craved on her for a little while. We get to see the person with a life, a history, a family and friends who loved and still grieve for her, as well as showcasing her talent as an actress. I think she would be happy about it.
Obviously this is not just a film about the victim. It also does a good job at not gratuitously demonising Phil Spector more than he needed to be just because it is expected to - especially in these times. It tries to understand how and why he became the violent control freak, abusive husband, and eventual cold blooded murderer. We even get to sympathise for him somewhat by learning about the death of his father and the abuse he suffered growing up at the hands of his sister and mother. It is also surprising to learn that despite everything we have come to know about him, he was a really good father to his daughter Nicole (who I really felt for). And we are also still allowed to revel in his work as a producer and a songwriter without being made to feel guilty about it.
The story of Phil Spector ties up really neatly. Lauded as a genius, enjoyed the fruits of his success, but abused, hurt and traumatised many people, particularly women. Except in this case he wasn't met with the same impunity afforded to A List celebrities up until that point. Phil Spector rotted away in prison for the last decade of his life and deservedly so.
Why does someone who pursues their passion in the art or entrainment world have to be famous and financially successful to be vindicated as good at their job, or just good at life ? 99.9% of those who try, don't succeed. We only hear of the anomalies who do, and we tend to think that's the norm. In an interview, Phil Spector stresses the part ''timing'' played in his success, I'll simplify it even more and say him just being lucky played the biggest part. There are exceptionally talented musicians, actors, film makers, songwriters, producers who will never be discovered because there's only so much room , and because they just aren't as lucky as someone like the Phil Spectors of this world are.
Granted, it is extremely sad and tragic that someone like Lana Clarkson is more famous for how she died than how she lived. And I'm sure she and the people who loved her would rather Lana still be walking this earth and never had met Phil Spector on that fatal night if it meant never having this documentary made about her. But having said that, this film at least shone the spotlight she craved on her for a little while. We get to see the person with a life, a history, a family and friends who loved and still grieve for her, as well as showcasing her talent as an actress. I think she would be happy about it.
Obviously this is not just a film about the victim. It also does a good job at not gratuitously demonising Phil Spector more than he needed to be just because it is expected to - especially in these times. It tries to understand how and why he became the violent control freak, abusive husband, and eventual cold blooded murderer. We even get to sympathise for him somewhat by learning about the death of his father and the abuse he suffered growing up at the hands of his sister and mother. It is also surprising to learn that despite everything we have come to know about him, he was a really good father to his daughter Nicole (who I really felt for). And we are also still allowed to revel in his work as a producer and a songwriter without being made to feel guilty about it.
The story of Phil Spector ties up really neatly. Lauded as a genius, enjoyed the fruits of his success, but abused, hurt and traumatised many people, particularly women. Except in this case he wasn't met with the same impunity afforded to A List celebrities up until that point. Phil Spector rotted away in prison for the last decade of his life and deservedly so.