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TAKE ME HOME.
Released in 2000 'Take Me Home' charts the story of the life and music of Country/Folk Singer/Songwriter John Denver. The genre is Biogrophy/Drama/Music, and it is based on the autobiography of the same name. -
John Denver is famous for his recordings of Annie's song, Seasons of the heart, and the hugely popular 'leaving on a jet plane'. This biopic deals with the rise and fall of John Denver's career. The highs and lows of his marriage to Annie, played by Kristin Davies, whom he wrote 'Annie's song' for, and his battle with depression and alcoholism. John Denver was an actor, writer, poet and activist. The film portrays John Denver as a likeable, affable man with a sunny nature. Optimistic in his outlook, and delighted at the rising fame that his songs were bringing him. Young and boyish, this is a tale of a singer/songwriter who everyone liked. Popular and upbeat with a zest or life, he captures the heart of Annie, and the story begins...I know his music is not everyones cup of tea, but there is something about his songs which are both poignant, and haunting. Slightly dated now, but nonetheless still well played and hugely popular. 'Leaving on a jet plane' being one of my favourites, as is the beautiful 'Annie's song'.
This film left me slightly troubled, as I did not realise what a turbulent life John had led. Take me home shows the tough decisions he had to make as regards to his career versus his marriage. His wife felt isolated and neglected when he was away on tour, and it was difficult for him to balance the two. Take me home shows the increased isolation he began to feel as a human being, shutting out the ones he loved. You see his total obsession with his ego in trying to remain at the top of his tree as regards to his music, whilst neglecting everyone around him. I thought Chad Lowe as John Denver conveyed his mood and feelings very well. I felt total empathy with his character, and a sorrow as he lost his battle. John was also an environmentalist, and a humanitarian, a passionate man who lobbyed politicians, and spoke in Congress. He was by nature extremely sensitive. Maybe this was his ultimate downfall...
The film compels you to watch it. It goes into a lot of detail about the character of the man. As the film was taken from the autobiography of the same name, there was a lot to draw from. It is a brave film, and shows the isolation that John Denver felt as his grip on the music business declined. Without giving too much away, I feel this is a film that shows the disintegration of a personality really well, and in great detail. I feel the parts were played very well. It mainly focused on the two of them, John and Annie, though there are brief performances by the son, father and others. This is basically a film about the man and his music. A love affair if you like. Both sad and poignant, it definitely is worth viewing. It shows the fickle underbelly of the music business, and the struggle of a performance artist. Set in the 1960's when John was a rising name. Paradoxically ironic, in the story of the man whose songs bought pleasure to the masses, with their messages full of hope and elation, should be delivered by the man full of so much despair and depression.
An excellent production. With convincing acting all round. I recommend this film for it's realism of book to film, and for the fine songs. The film features 15 John Denver original recordings, and it has a running time of 90 minutes, and is rated PG. Take Me Home was heavily critiscised for the lip syncing, and poor acting by Chad Lowe. But I feel the whole film was very well done, and a fitting tribute. It's just a matter of opinion I suppose. Don't dismiss it just because the critics say it's no good. Decide for yourself.-
Thank you for reading. Electra 2008*
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Interesting, I would watch it if it came on TV but wouldn't go out of my way to buy it.
wolfatgoogle 01.03.2008 07:44
I'll have to watch this, I always loved his music. Wolf x
jesi 28.02.2008 16:24
Take me home country roads: l first 'met' John Denver in 1973 in the room of a fellow student nurse, with 'Take me home, country road' and my favourite songs were 'grandmother's feather bed' and 'sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy' ~ l bought a CD last year containing the albums 'poems, prayers and promises' and 'farewell Andromeda'
. . . . ~ ! ♥♥ ! ~ ........................................................... ~ jes ~ ! ♥♥ !
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