You know how the tide can go way out and expose the sea floor with all it’s craggy alien-planet-like surfaces? That’s pretty much how I used to feel about my hairline. Don’t worry, I didn’t get plugs, rugs or drugs (Finasteride). I just got a gargantuan Grey-haired dose of perspective via the documentary Young @ Heart (opening April 9th).
The documentary follows The Young @ Heart Chorus of Northampton, MA as they prep for a show over 7 weeks. The average age of the chorus is near eighty. They are incredible, simply put. They perform modern rock songs with full commitment and I don’t mean that in a condescending “Hey look! Grammy can eat a grape!” kind of way. They really go for it and it is hilarious and moving and impressive.
A while back, Johnny Cash covered Trent Reznor’s song, Hurt. It’s a pretty heavy song to begin with, but hearing it from Cash’s aged vocal chords gives it such weight that it’s hard to keep from crying* when you hear it. There were several moments like that in this documentary. Songs like Coldplay’s Fix You performed by Fred Knittle, while he’s hooked to an oxygen supply pump, are excruciating in the context of all the health issues and bodies literally breaking down. These people are like soldiers at war. They are constantly losing their friends and peers. There’s an urgency and purpose to their involvement in the chorus. I wonder what that’s like.
The group is led by Chorus Director, Bob Cilman. If I find out that he hasn’t been in the local heroes feature of the Daily Hampshire Gazette every year since starting the chorus in 1982, I will be pissed! Seriously. He has given so many seniors so much in that time. Yes, I know they have probably given him more than he has given them. They are Grandparents. It’s their job. No matter what you do for them, there’s no escaping the card with a check for $4.73 ($5, less postage).
We had a special treat at the screening! Director, Stephen Walker , Bob Cilman, chorus members, Dora Morrow, Stan Goldman and Steve Martin (no, not that Steve) showed up for a lovely Q & A!
I can’t think of a film that more epitomized “I laughed, I cried” than Young @ Heart. Stephen Walker should be proud. He made my favorite documentary! Go see this! Buy the DVD, give it as a gift to people. It’s good for your soul. I did not hate it!!
*A manly, deep, emotional sighing that in no way resembles a little girl’s crying sound. At all.
sounds good! sniff. ha-ha.
Sarah’s grandmother is a member of that group…
Dear stratton, NO WAY! They are great! Great, Great, Great!
Last night at Muddy Waters, Blitzen covered Knittle’s version of Fix You. I think they took it to another level. Just ask Lawlor. I kid. Great, great movie. Let’s replicate it at a local seniors joint, but with better songs (you know we can).