Just saw this movie and found it very entertaining. It was great to see so many talented artist (going back to the 60s) all say the same thing, that the music business is a difficult, but a rewarding experience. The only thing that bothered me was that Steven Tyler was a stand out bitter bitch. He had the opportunity to point out how lucky he was, being dropped in the early 80s, and now enjoying a hugely successful career more than 20 years later. Instead he bitched about downloads, and his former manager getting 20%. Wow, sad comments from a guy who owes his sobriety, and second career in the music business to that guy. Having been in the music business, It is great to here so many musicians give songwriting credit to an unexplained force. I have heard many say that they draw from a nebulous well to create, and it was great to here from many brilliant musicians.
11 Reviews
Good way to express ones feelings.
Chelcbrodwy31626 March 2007
All We Are Saying to me was something I think everyone should see at least once. It had all the great musicians, that had an impact on the music industry, expressing their opinions on how the music has changed. The opinions all seem to stay the same, in thinking that music has lost its flare.. but seeing all those big names from back in the 60's, 70's and 80's to now, makes it all worth it. Not to mention, the in-depth conversations and the words of wisdom. David Crosby said a line, "Britney Spears is being considered for a record over Joni Mitchell, and Britney Spears is about as deep as a bird bath" and to me, is true. If you love, classic rock and new soul music, such as I do, this documentary will inspire you. Talk about better to burn out than fade away, this old timers are going out like a bad-ass firecracker.
a peak inside the humanity of being a rock star
poodleplay9 March 2006
rosanna arquette has done a brilliant job of taking us inside the very human world of life as a rock star. we finally get to see our musical icons as they see themselves: artists who just happen to be famous and must deal with the business of being an artist. her subtle device is her hand-held camcorder that is both the source of some footage and an insulator between herself and the interviewee--removing most of the congeniality that surely exists while allowing her subjects to speak frankly without pretense. i think what struck me the most is the intelligence, sincerity, and genuineness these people resonate as they talk about how they reside within the music business. these are all such interesting people and i couldn't help but wish documentaries like this accompanied every artist's CD.
rock on, rosanna!
rock on, rosanna!
A Honest Look at the Artists of the Past/Present.
isaiah26822 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I found the documentary to be a very refreshing look at what the artists are thinking with regards to a changing culture. While yes, I do question the artists that are complaining about the $$ they are losing because of downloading, etc. I still feel like Rosanna truly made a good effort at getting everyone's point of view, opinion (whether it be selfish/shallow/stupid/excellent/wise), and their passion for their art. More than anything it gave me hope that some artists of the past/present are still trying to make contact and teach those of the present into the future because they care about where the quality of music goes. It's TRUE!! Image is starting to be everything when it comes to the music! What happened to the art of expressing it regardless of whether your nose is crooked, teeth crooked, whatever! Lyrics and music should touch your soul, voice helps, looks should be way down on the list! Great documentary...I very much doubt these voices and artists of the past are bitter -- they are concerned for the future of true music and artisans!
The documentary that needed to be made.
charon288 March 2006
Have you ever sat and wondered why popular music has become plasticized and oh-so formulaic in the last ten years? This film answers that question and more. Rosanna Arquette does a magnificent job of presenting a fantastic cross-section of musical artists from every genre. From Sting, to Don Henley, to Mary J. Blige to Willie Nelson and Burt Bacharach. Rosanna sits back with her hand-held camera and allows the artist the opportunity to speak freely about their art, life and the music business. An open and honest commentary that is sorely missed in this day and age. A must see for those who appreciate music or for those who are just getting started. Thank you Rosanna!
This film is excellent
johnharrold14 March 2006
Ms. Arquette is hot...aside from that...she has created a film that is one of the finest films about music that I have seen.
The lady who inspired Toto's big hit...speaks with a whole lotta musicians about the business of music. They all appear to be coherent...as in Sex...Sobriety...and Rock & Roll.
The majority of the artists have been well known for over thirty years...and some of them almost did not make it this far. I am glad that they did. I just hope that Joni Mitchell does not end up like Sammy Davis Junior.
I could have watched another several hours of Ms. Arquette's interviews...perhaps not in one sitting...but certainly in two parts.
The lady who inspired Toto's big hit...speaks with a whole lotta musicians about the business of music. They all appear to be coherent...as in Sex...Sobriety...and Rock & Roll.
The majority of the artists have been well known for over thirty years...and some of them almost did not make it this far. I am glad that they did. I just hope that Joni Mitchell does not end up like Sammy Davis Junior.
I could have watched another several hours of Ms. Arquette's interviews...perhaps not in one sitting...but certainly in two parts.
Worst Music Documentary Ever Made!!
carliniphoto27 August 2006
Before I got paid to photograph Hotels and Restaurants (advertising). I spent a good part of the eighty's and ninety's as a photographer in the Music industry. I've traveled with many bands doing tour photography and also was a contributor to many Music magazines. So I've been behind the scenes. Whenever I get a chance to watch these documentaries, esp Vh1 Behind the Music. I sit and watch them to see how much of it is a true realistic look at life in the music industry. I have to admit I think Vh1 Behind the Music is an excellent production (even seen myself in the background a few times). The difference between the Vh1 show and a documentary like All We are Saying (or babbling it should be). Is that Vh1 does their research and gives you an a full history and true account of the artist (good and bad) from beginning to the present. They make it interesting to the viewer to watch. Rosanna Arquette basically just sticks a camera in the faces of these artists and gives them this open forum to ramble on and on and on....30 Min's into it...I thought what is the freakin point of this? I'm falling a sleep here!
I loved hearing Steven Tyler at the very beginning of the film sitting at his mansion complaining about how his record label calls him to tell him his song that was worth a million dollars is now worth 12 cents...cause every ones downloading! But its certainly OK for him to allow the promoters and his record label to rip his fans off by charging a $150 for an Aerosmith ticket and $20 for a Cd. That's very lame Steven. You have lost my respect.
Many artists in this production I've photographed. I didn't remember them babbling this much when I met them. Maybe..if she would have showed the full interviews or didn't cut away to so many at once. Each interview would have made more sense. The editing in this film is some of the worst I've ever seen. Unless they were trying to make a film that absolutely made no sense whatsoever, and wanted to bore everyone to the point of wanting to slice their wrist to end the pain of watching this very boring film. Then they did a great job...
I loved hearing Steven Tyler at the very beginning of the film sitting at his mansion complaining about how his record label calls him to tell him his song that was worth a million dollars is now worth 12 cents...cause every ones downloading! But its certainly OK for him to allow the promoters and his record label to rip his fans off by charging a $150 for an Aerosmith ticket and $20 for a Cd. That's very lame Steven. You have lost my respect.
Many artists in this production I've photographed. I didn't remember them babbling this much when I met them. Maybe..if she would have showed the full interviews or didn't cut away to so many at once. Each interview would have made more sense. The editing in this film is some of the worst I've ever seen. Unless they were trying to make a film that absolutely made no sense whatsoever, and wanted to bore everyone to the point of wanting to slice their wrist to end the pain of watching this very boring film. Then they did a great job...
Window into the creative process
gregory-david28 June 2006
This film gives you an unusually good look into the creative process, along with frank discussion of the problems and sacrifices that most artists have to deal with and accept in order to keep their creative channels open. The casual use of the cameras facilitates the conversational feel and the directness of the artists communication. Ultimately it allows us to share the experiences of a some great artists in their search for true expression, which is really a universal human need and it certainly evoked some empathy in this writer. Of significance is the clear communication that dedication to their art form, the performance and sharing of their music is much more important to them than the money they earn.
Sad
glazedham14 March 2006
Hearing these musicians and singers speak, reminded me of a recurring scene from "Beavis and Butthead." Whenever Beavis or Butthead would deeply think, an image came up on the screen of a mostly burned out light bulb with a half dead fly buzzing around inside it.
The old rock stars reminded me of dried up tumbleweeds which blow around in the desert on windy days. They spoke of how commercialized the music business is now. They lamented the fact that now it's looks, not talent which make a singer famous. Old rich complainers, jealous of the younger generation of musicians. David Crosby who looks like he's been dead for ten years was especially pathetic. A big empty head with gibberish coming out of it. Patty Smith now looks like a man, mustache and all. She looks like Tom Petty's twin brother without the blonde dye job.
The younger musicians are no better. The guy from "Andre 3000" talked of how he is truly a misunderstood introvert, as he spoke wearing his bright read pants, blue, plaid shirt, Mr. T stater kit jewelry and big puffy hat. Gwen Stefani spoke of the pain no one could understand, the day her assistant was off work and she (gasp)locked herself out of her house.
It's often disappointing to hear public figures speaking their private thoughts, this movie was no exception. It was a portrait of out of touch, insulated, childish, self absorbed dumb people speaking of their rich, pampered and dumb lives. It was particularly annoying to hear these singers and guitar strummers constantly calling themselves "artists." Please! If you enjoy the music of any of these "artists" listed in the credits for this movie, you may want to skip it.
Kudos to Rosanna Arquette though. Every time the camera was panned to her she looked like she was actually enjoying hearing these "artists" speak. That's good acting.
The old rock stars reminded me of dried up tumbleweeds which blow around in the desert on windy days. They spoke of how commercialized the music business is now. They lamented the fact that now it's looks, not talent which make a singer famous. Old rich complainers, jealous of the younger generation of musicians. David Crosby who looks like he's been dead for ten years was especially pathetic. A big empty head with gibberish coming out of it. Patty Smith now looks like a man, mustache and all. She looks like Tom Petty's twin brother without the blonde dye job.
The younger musicians are no better. The guy from "Andre 3000" talked of how he is truly a misunderstood introvert, as he spoke wearing his bright read pants, blue, plaid shirt, Mr. T stater kit jewelry and big puffy hat. Gwen Stefani spoke of the pain no one could understand, the day her assistant was off work and she (gasp)locked herself out of her house.
It's often disappointing to hear public figures speaking their private thoughts, this movie was no exception. It was a portrait of out of touch, insulated, childish, self absorbed dumb people speaking of their rich, pampered and dumb lives. It was particularly annoying to hear these singers and guitar strummers constantly calling themselves "artists." Please! If you enjoy the music of any of these "artists" listed in the credits for this movie, you may want to skip it.
Kudos to Rosanna Arquette though. Every time the camera was panned to her she looked like she was actually enjoying hearing these "artists" speak. That's good acting.
Annoying
jmkrueger9 June 2006
I pretty much agree with glazedham's review. I will add the following...one of the things that I found most annoying is the fact that Arquette is frequently seen holding a camera while another camera is filming her holding the camera. I don't know why, but this was unbelievably aggravating to me. All in all, I was left with the impression that many of these "artists" have just taken way too many drugs. If their lives are so difficult, I recommend that they get off the stage and go to a part of the world where they can witness real suffering. Hopefully they will take Arquette and her hand-held camera with them. Maybe she will eventually use footage from the hand-held camera as it seems to have served absolutely no purpose in this film.
Dead and Dying in New York, etc.
lambiepie-211 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This seemed like a good idea - making a documentary by finding musicians and taping the truth about how they really feel.
But who'll care? Which musicians would make an impact regarding the theme of this film? What would strike a chord with folks who really want to know the answers to this question? Well, if you're waiting for an answer - still wait. 1970's 'After School Specials' plus actress Rosanna Arquette has combed New York (mainly) and found 80% of the musicians/singers/songwriters that folks almost have forgotten about and asked them for their thoughts. Musicans...and Yoko Ono.
This could have, and would have been interesting if there were a great deal of people we'd be interested in hearing deep inner most thoughts about the industry from from many sides of the spectrum but this was like looking at "the walking dead" on celluloid. And the questions, well, I wont be looking for a Rosanna Arquette talk show anytime soon. At least, I pray there wont be any.
This is something you can readily expect to see on VH-1 under one of their cheesy shows, but this would be best called: "Behind the Music with The Cryptkeeper". This is not to say Rosanna and her crew should have found ONLY young, popular musicians and asked them, they probably wouldn't know how to answer that question at this point in their quest for "bling". Which is why at this point it may have been better to go to the near dead to talk about it. Their careers are 'done' and they would have nothing to loose, whereas younger musicians still have commercial appeal and they wouldn't want to eat and spit in the same place.
But many of the people in this effort made me cringe... I saw the sickle behind many of them and felt this was their last chance to say something about the industry that they worked in on film before Charon came for them to take them down the river Styx.
Of course, I have to have half a brain here and think that those filmed wanted to be filmed and gave permission to be included in this documentary. This could be one of the reasons why we sat through an overblown, overlong episode of "The Dry and the Dusty" in the music industry with a few new folks sprinkled in and the few obligatory African Americans for this to look like a diverse event. If Rosanna Arquette didn't have an actress resume and the notorious Toto song "Rosanna" behind her, this documentary would have been laughed off the face of this earth by any other filmmaker.
Plus, I always cringe when they drag out Yoko Ono to talk about 'music'. I missed "The Beatles" years but thanks to other documentaries, films, TV Show appearances, etc., etc., etc., being rammed down your throat about them at every turn, there isn't much one can't know about them. I understand that Ms. Ono is/was an "artist" (atrist, a buzz word I will define, in my opinion, as a pretentious faux-intellectual, pacific rim type entities purposely scoping for burnt out/drugged out has-been musicians/producers/songwriters types to feed into an overblown ego when others wont just to finance their visions so they can sit at home and not ever get a real job), and her musings on "music" to me are about as helpful as an ant walking on an elephant's back. I'm glad Ms. Arquette, the actress, got to interview her because only an actress can say, "It is a honor to meet you" to Yoko Ono. I would suspect to Ms. Arquette it would be 'an honor' for her to meet and talk about music to Mickey Mouse too.
Many folks 60 years old and older may want watch this because many of these musicians interviewed are musicians/singers/songwriters that generation grew up with and may want to know how they're doing these days, be surprised they're still alive, may want to know how they felt about working in the industry in their day, and how their kids turned out when they weren't even home to see them grow up. Ms. Arquette gushing over them is always a plus for an ego booster, and we know these folks need an ego booster in their final days.
There are a few (a few, mind you) people interviewed by Ms. Arquette that might appeal to those between 35 and 49, but none that would draw in the under 34 crowed unless they were studying music theory and wanted to do an extra credit paper in oldies pop.
If you want to see 80% "The Dry and the Dusty" in the music industry on the east coast -- and Yoko Ono -- and want to know their thoughts as interviewed by a fading actress (another thinly veiled theme of this documentary to me, really) then this may be the film for you.
For others, please don't bother.
But who'll care? Which musicians would make an impact regarding the theme of this film? What would strike a chord with folks who really want to know the answers to this question? Well, if you're waiting for an answer - still wait. 1970's 'After School Specials' plus actress Rosanna Arquette has combed New York (mainly) and found 80% of the musicians/singers/songwriters that folks almost have forgotten about and asked them for their thoughts. Musicans...and Yoko Ono.
This could have, and would have been interesting if there were a great deal of people we'd be interested in hearing deep inner most thoughts about the industry from from many sides of the spectrum but this was like looking at "the walking dead" on celluloid. And the questions, well, I wont be looking for a Rosanna Arquette talk show anytime soon. At least, I pray there wont be any.
This is something you can readily expect to see on VH-1 under one of their cheesy shows, but this would be best called: "Behind the Music with The Cryptkeeper". This is not to say Rosanna and her crew should have found ONLY young, popular musicians and asked them, they probably wouldn't know how to answer that question at this point in their quest for "bling". Which is why at this point it may have been better to go to the near dead to talk about it. Their careers are 'done' and they would have nothing to loose, whereas younger musicians still have commercial appeal and they wouldn't want to eat and spit in the same place.
But many of the people in this effort made me cringe... I saw the sickle behind many of them and felt this was their last chance to say something about the industry that they worked in on film before Charon came for them to take them down the river Styx.
Of course, I have to have half a brain here and think that those filmed wanted to be filmed and gave permission to be included in this documentary. This could be one of the reasons why we sat through an overblown, overlong episode of "The Dry and the Dusty" in the music industry with a few new folks sprinkled in and the few obligatory African Americans for this to look like a diverse event. If Rosanna Arquette didn't have an actress resume and the notorious Toto song "Rosanna" behind her, this documentary would have been laughed off the face of this earth by any other filmmaker.
Plus, I always cringe when they drag out Yoko Ono to talk about 'music'. I missed "The Beatles" years but thanks to other documentaries, films, TV Show appearances, etc., etc., etc., being rammed down your throat about them at every turn, there isn't much one can't know about them. I understand that Ms. Ono is/was an "artist" (atrist, a buzz word I will define, in my opinion, as a pretentious faux-intellectual, pacific rim type entities purposely scoping for burnt out/drugged out has-been musicians/producers/songwriters types to feed into an overblown ego when others wont just to finance their visions so they can sit at home and not ever get a real job), and her musings on "music" to me are about as helpful as an ant walking on an elephant's back. I'm glad Ms. Arquette, the actress, got to interview her because only an actress can say, "It is a honor to meet you" to Yoko Ono. I would suspect to Ms. Arquette it would be 'an honor' for her to meet and talk about music to Mickey Mouse too.
Many folks 60 years old and older may want watch this because many of these musicians interviewed are musicians/singers/songwriters that generation grew up with and may want to know how they're doing these days, be surprised they're still alive, may want to know how they felt about working in the industry in their day, and how their kids turned out when they weren't even home to see them grow up. Ms. Arquette gushing over them is always a plus for an ego booster, and we know these folks need an ego booster in their final days.
There are a few (a few, mind you) people interviewed by Ms. Arquette that might appeal to those between 35 and 49, but none that would draw in the under 34 crowed unless they were studying music theory and wanted to do an extra credit paper in oldies pop.
If you want to see 80% "The Dry and the Dusty" in the music industry on the east coast -- and Yoko Ono -- and want to know their thoughts as interviewed by a fading actress (another thinly veiled theme of this documentary to me, really) then this may be the film for you.
For others, please don't bother.
See also
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