Neil Young: Heart of Gold

I don't have a lot to say about this one, it's the filmed premier of Neil Young's "Prairie Wind" concert tour and as such it is really nothing more than a concert on DVD. There's nothing to say about cinematography except that it's pretty basic. Staging is also pretty by the book. Neil Young, being the main attraction, is seen center stage surrounded off and on by his many singing/song writing friends. With that all going on in a very simple and clean cut way the audience is given the opportunity to enjoy Young's music free of serious distraction and this, as it turns out, is a very good thing for us. I had never listened to the music of Neil Young before I watched this movie and the fact that it held my attention speaks to the talent of both Young and his fellow musicians. This doesn't mean I've become some kind of Neil Young super fan, in fact I doubt I'll ever watch this again. That isn't the point of a movie like this. I liked this movie because I see how there are so many Neil Young fans who may never get a chance to see him in concert, and now they can rent this for all of $3.85. Sure a live show is probably even better, but with Young's life stories and explanations between the songs the whole affair comes off very well, and besides offering a good show for long time fans Heart of Gold lets new comers, like myself, get a well rounded look into the music career of Neil Young. I wish more artists would offer movies like this, it works great for the people who like it, and the others have no real reason to dislike it.

B+