Review of I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco (2002) by Scott J — 11 May 2008

Interesting insight into the creation of one of the best albums of the last 15 years, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." Recommended for die-hard fans as well as casual listeners. The intimately shot black and white documentary moves past run of the mill band/concert-type films when tensions flare up during the creative process and a longtime member is asked to leave the band.

(This is someone who was seemingly vital toward pushing the band from its alt-country roots toward the sound on YHF, which in turn pushed Wilco to venture further into more experimental musical arangemnets.

This is also someone the band isn't too heartbroken over to be no longer working with.) Oh, and the band's record label, Reprise Records, look like greedy asshats for dropping the band before the release date because the executives at the label felt they wouldn't be able to make enough money to justify the album.

This is all told to viewer in a one-sided round-about sort of way as no one currently employed by Reprise appears in the film. (The album was released Nonesuch records and became the band's best selling album to date.

) While offering great performances and intrigue to the future of the band, the film (purposely?) lacks insight into the inspiration for Jeff Tweedy's lyrics. While there are a few moments showcasing the band, Tweedy in particular, during a more relaxed, non-musical state (there's a memorable moment at a Burger King where Tweedy and his wife don't have enough cash on hand, as well the funny side of Tweedy's belly), the film falls short in offering much insight into the personalities of the band.

Focusing primarily only the music is a good thing (especially for such an innovative and hard to categorize band like Wilco), but can also be a bit frustrating for some fans.