Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Doors 6:30 pm // Pre-show music 6:45 pm* // Screening 7:30 pm
$9 Advance // $11 Door
Directed by John Scheinfeld
In advance of The Parkway's tribute to the music of Harry Nilsson on June 8 (presented by the Twin Cities' premiere Harry Nilsson tribute band, Dream on Nilsson), we are pleased to feature a rare screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary film chronicling the life and work of this enigmatic folk rock singer-songwriter. Members of Dream On Nilsson will be on-hand for a stripped-down, acoustic performance prior to the screening, giving audiences a taste of their full-band performance June 8. Tickets available here.
"Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)?" is a wildly entertaining, star-studded documentary that tells the story of one of the most talented and versatile singer-songwriters in pop music history -- and the man The Beatles dubbed their favorite American musician.
The writer and composer behind such Grammy Award-winners as "Everybody's Talkin'" and "Without You; "the quirky "Coconut" (Put de lime in de coconut and drink it all up); the whimsical "Me And My Arrow;" and the poignant "One" ( ...is the loneliest number...) -- these recordings are all the work of Harry Nilsson.
The documentary, which Ain't It Cool News said, "is everything a great documentary needs to be...entertaining, informative and incredibly emotional," reveals Nilsson's spirited relationship with John Lennon and close bond with Ringo Starr, as well as Harry the legendary bad boy party animal who was at the same time a devoted husband and father.
Director John Scheinfeld brings added emotion and intimacy to the story with over 50 Nilsson recordings, rare or never-before-seen film clips, home movies and personal photos. To this are added compelling interviews with top music and movie personalities who knew Harry well, including Micky Dolenz, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Al Kooper, Randy Newman, Yoko Ono, Van Dyke Parks, The Smothers Brothers, Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, Robin Williams, Brian Wilson and many others.
Writing for Entertainment Weekly in 2010, Stephen King said, "If you see one rock doc this year, make it 'Who Is Harry Nilsson'....close to genius, in fact" and The Hollywood Reporter said, "A lively documentary... exposure to the film should cause audiences to make room on their iPods for some serious downloading."