Well, the show was spectacular - and I mean that literally as well as figuratively. The archival footage that was dug up and aired for the first time in decades was really astounding for a young 'un like me, and a lot of it was from old CBC archives, which was really great for a Canadian to see. (Did the other Canadians recognize a very young Adrian Clarkson sitting next to Joni in one of those old interviews?)
Seeing Joni's virginal skin and that silken hair. I can see why so many men fell in love with her. Even though Mr. Nash was more my speed, Joni was brilliantly radiant! There wasn't much in the way of new insight into Joni's career or personality here. There was instead a lot time given to old recordings of Joni's, old CBC interviews and very, very rare home video of Joni kibbutzing with Neil Young, Graham Nash and Mama Cass. The most poignant moment came when Joni described how she had to end her relationship with Graham Nash and why she did it. Saying how she didn't want to end up like her paternal grandmother kicking the screen door off its hinges because she was so artistically frustrated, how she didn't want to end up crying behind some barn on the prairies knowing she could never afford a piano. It was very powerful. The praise that Joni receives in this documentary is amazing, from such remarkable peers, too. Basically, there was nothing new in the way of content or insight but a LOT of very rare footage and performances, rare, never-before-seen photos and home video. I'll leave you with an image of Joni running on the beach in California with a large red cape flowing out behind her - an image that figures heavily in part one of the documentary. A beautiful, freeing image...particularly with the orchestral opening of A Case of You playing from Both Sides Now. I nearly lost it! -Andrew Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, and more
