If nothing else, Scheinfeld captures the essence of the Nilsson experience, and how, according to his attorney, "He would turn up at your door at 4 in the morning, and you knew that the next three days were going to be an adventure."
80
Time OutDavid Fear
Time OutDavid Fear
A worthwhile portrait of a genius who made beautiful music, and a case study for how to tragically, epically self-destruct.
The point of it is not, in the end, to explain him or solve the mystery of his life, but rather to spend time in his company and understand why he is someone to be missed.
Despite the film's inevitably downbeat tone and occasional repetitiveness, there is that heavenly music to remember -- or to encounter for the first time. You will leave the theater singing, if with a touch of melancholy.
70
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
It's a safe bet that exposure to the film should cause audiences to make room on their iPods for some serious downloading.
70
Village Voice
Village Voice
The director doesn't bother to interview the experts-only those who knew the man best.
Unsurprisingly, the strongest moments of the film are musical.
50
New York Daily NewsJoe Neumaier
New York Daily NewsJoe Neumaier
Director John Scheinfeld's film, utilizing interviews with friends and collaborators, hits a high note on Nilsson's friendship with Ringo Starr and his fear of stage performance.
50
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.A. Musetto
The film is conventional in style and is likely to mean more to the sadly forgotten musician's fans than to others.