144. All I Can Say; movie review

 

ALL I CAN SAY

Cert 15

126 mins

BBFC advice: Contains string language, drug references

Why do so many talented artists and musicians die in their late 20s?

The death toll which includes Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin has continued through Kurt Cobain to Amy Winehouse and, sadly many more.

It is such a recognised phenomenon that there is even a Wikipedia page attributed to what it calls the 27 Club.

Shannon Hoon was only a year older when he was found dead from a drink and drugs overdose on the tour bus of his band, Blind Melon.

There is a unique insight into Hoon's lifestyle and state of mind because he kept a video diary for almost every day of the last five years of his life.

In a way, his demise is even sadder because it is quite clear from this evidence that he had no intention of dying.

All I Can Say chronicles the rise of Blind Melon who were seen as having the potential status of Nirvana with packed gigs across the world and a first album which had made the top ten on the Billboard charts.

The film shows that Hoon had been destabilised by the split of his parents but had a strong support from his childhood sweetheart, Lisa.

Much of it is upbeat, showing the band on stage and having a good time.

But there are so many clips and they are delivered at such high speed that we don't see quite enough to understand his individual highs and lows.

There are references to Hoon being arrested and mentions of drugs but they, like everything else, including his family relationships, are very brief.

The true sadness is that he had only just become a father when he died and the happy images of him with his child are the most poignant.

Regardless, Blind Melon fans will want to watch the movie whose directors have been listed as Shannon Hoon, Colleen Hennessy, Taryn Gould, Danny Clinch.

As will anyone who wants to understand a little more of the behind-the-scenes life of a rock singer.

Reasons to watch: A unique insight into a rock'n'roll life

Reasons to avoid: The clips are too short

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? Blind Melon has reformed and currently consists of guitarists Rogers Stevens and Christopher Thorn, drummer Glen Graham, vocalist Travis Warren and bassist Nathan Towne. 

The final word. Brad Smith: "Shannon, I think, meant every word that he said on the Soup record, and that's why it's maybe even more critically acclaimed than our first record. Our first record sold many, many more units than our second record, but the second record had a lot more critical acclaim to it. People recognise it as the truth and pure. And I think that's the earmark of a great record."

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