Although Jonathan Demme’s directorial signatures are manifested late in the film – once Neil Young’s worn face and ruined voice fills the entire composition – Heart of Gold’s elegant staging is largely determined by its music. The crowd (at the magnificent Ryman Auditorium in Nashville) is never seen until a standing ovation at the end, recalling a similar intention to root the performance as a film (and not a concert) as in Stop Making Sense. And as with Demme’s prior concert film (one of my favorites, and I should note this assessment is one the director resists in describing his work) the scenario is captured with absolute integrity: the sensitive final shot – which finds Young on stage in front of an empty auditorium, fumbling with his guitar case – is especially moving, even to those unacquainted with the legendary songwriter.
by Rumsey Taylor | Source: Paramount Classics 35mm print
14 Feb 2006 10:34 AM | Submit Comment