Filmmaker Alex Gibney was invited by Paul Simon himself to follow him during the studio recordings of “Seven Psalms”, but in the process the film became more than just an illustration for a record. The film has become an overview of the 60 years that Paul Simon has been working as a musician. From the early beginnings with singer Art Garfunkel to his impressive solo work now. In addition to Paul Simon, the film also features Art Garfunkel, Wynton Marsalis, Carrie Fisher and Edie Brickell.
Paul Simon only set one condition for Gibney to make a film: the music had to sound absolutely good! He was allowed to film the musician at his home on his ranch in Wimberley, Texas.
Simon’s story begins when he listens to the Everly Brothers with childhood friend Art Garfunkel and learns to sing together harmoniously. Together they record now famous songs such as ‘Sound of Silence’ and ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’. Once solo, Simon writes many more hits, such as ‘Late in the Evening’, ’50 Ways to Leave Your Lover’ and ‘You Can Call Me All’.
The musician is now 82 years old, but does not know when to stop. Gibney knew Simon’s reputation as a somewhat irritable man, but during the recordings Simon became more and more open, also about his health. For example, we learn that Simon is beginning to suffer from deafness.
He talks extensively about his music, how much effort it takes him to write a song, about his family, his parents and also the difficult political situation in America and the racial hatred that prevails there.
The film lasts 3.5 hours. In America it will be shown in two separate parts, visitors to the Music Film Festival in Tilburg will have the chance to see the entire film in one go.