Premiering way back in 2006 at the Santa Barbara Film Festival and then dropping off the map, “Who is Harry Nilsson (and Why is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)?” is a music documentary we’ve long been anticipating and now we’ll finally get to see it. The film has finally been acquired, with Lorber Films picking up the rights to the film.
Directed by John Scheinfeld, the film provides the overview of the immensely talented and still undersung singer/songwriter. For film fans, his work is imprinted among a number of notable films. “Midnight Cowboy,” “Skidoo,” “The Point!,” “Popeye” (with “He Needs Me” being most famously re-upped by Paul Thomas Anderson in “Punch Drunk Love”) are probably best known for their Nilsson contributions but his music is pretty much everywhere. “Everybody’s Talkin'” has been used time and again and with good reason — it’s a great song. The film boasts a staggering number of interview subjects including Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Robin Williams, Yoko Ono, Dustin Hoffman, Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, Ringo Starr, Jon Voight and more.
The film will begin a limited theatrical run on September 10th and will hit DVD by the end of the year. If you’re in New York you can check out the film early on August 13th at 92YTribeca. Check out the trailer below:
This is a fantastic film. I was blown away at the Santa Barbara Film Fest when it was screened that year and can't believe it was never released until now. One of the best music documentary's I've seen and what a unique artist at the center.
Great news! I've heard good things about this and can't wait to see it. Harry was awesome. I'd love to see him get the respect he deserves.
Don't forget he is the original composer of the Three Dog Night hit One (also covered in a PTA film) and wrote the closing credits song to Reservoir Dogs, Coconut.