Review of I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco (2002) by Brendan P — 27 May 2009

I won't deny that I'm extremely biased when it comes to be critiquing this film. Wilco is and has been my favourite group of musicians for a while now, and the album whose creation is documented in I Am Trying to Break Your Heart I regard as one of the greatest pieces of music ever recorded.

But as objective as I can be, I still believe this is the greatest music film I've ever seen. Sam Jones is seemingly allowed into the Wilco world with very little restriction, making for such a candid and intimate experience, the filmmakers have to do very little to provide insight into the most inner workings of the band in every sense possible.

Sam Jones cuts the interview footage beautifully, providing enough information to get a general idea of what's going on, but without bogging us down in senseless details and losing the romantic qualities of the music and performance.

Which is what really sells this movie. Always known for putting on extremely energetic live shows, on film Tweedy & Co don't disappoint either. Blasting clean cut versions of familiar favourites, or rusty gems from God knows where.

It's all perfectly caught too, the sound quality is absolutely impeccable in every scenario. This is also a rough, but gorgeously shot black and white picture as well, and director Sam Jones' early career experience as a photographer is very evident and well utilized.

The only downside to this movie, is that I wanted it to go on for another two hours after it was done. Even if you're not a fan of the band, check I Am Trying to Break Your Heart out, I guarantee that you will be after you see this film.