Neil Diamond: Solitary Man, 2010.
Directed by Samantha Peters.
Starring Neil Diamond, Robbie Robertson, Jeff Barry, Neil Sedaka, Lulu and Mickey Dolenz.
Back in 2010 BBC Two produced a 60 minute documentary about an American songwriter who did not truly discover his own voice until he began recording and performing his own music; the individual in question is Neil Diamond who has experienced a bumpy road personally and professionally on the way to selling over 125 million records worldwide.
Fascinating is the family home movie taken in 1941 which shows proud parents Rose and Akeeba “Kieve” Diamond leaving the hospital with baby Neil in their arms. A fun moment occurs when a demo tape is played over the footage of the Puerto Rico Day Parade in New York City where Neil Diamond recruits his young daughters Marjorie and Elyn as backup singers for Beautiful Noise; the song was inspired by a remark made by Marjorie about the annual event. In the present times Diamond can be seen walking around the street and in a record store amiably dealing with awestruck fans.
One gets the impression that success has not come easy for the boy from Brooklyn who eventually earned the nickname “The Jewish Elvis”. With the BBC being involved with the production it is surprising to discover images being continually recycled throughout and that the interviews with Neil Diamond, Robbie Robertson, Jeff Barry, Neil Sedaka and Mickey Dolenz never go beyond the surface level. Overall Neil Diamond: Solitary Man feels like a song that has been unable to strike a chord with the audience as it is lacking in style and soul.
Flickering Myth Rating: Film ★ ★ / Movie ★ ★
Neil Diamond: Solitary Man will be having a free screening on April 13, 2013 @ 7 pm at Innis College as part of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival.
Trevor Hogg
Originally published April 3, 2013. Updated April 14, 2018.
