Just an American Boy (2003)
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54% of critics liked it
(13 reviews) -
33% of users liked it
(342 ratings)
In the fall of 2002, singer, songwriter and political activist Steve Earle released an album of songs written in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, entitled Jerusalem. One of its songs, "John Walker's Blues" -- written from the perspective of John Walker Lindh, a… More In the fall of 2002, singer, songwriter and political activist Steve Earle released an album of songs written in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, entitled Jerusalem. One of its songs, "John Walker's Blues" -- written from the perspective of John Walker Lindh, a Muslim from America who was discovered fighting alongside Taliban forces -- triggered off a flurry of controversy, and Earle found himself having to defend his views, his patriotism, and his right to free speech in the press. Steve Earle: Just an American Boy is a documentary which follows Earle as he tours in support of the Jerusalem album, speaks to journalists about his songs and the looming war in Iraq, writes and directs his first play (Karla, a dramatization of the life and death of Karla Faye Tucker, the first woman ever to be executed by the Texas penal system), discusses his outspoken opposition to the death penalty, and, with his band, shows why he's become one of the most critically acclaimed singer/songwriters of his generation. Steve Earle: Just an American Boy was directed by Amos Poe, who previously helmed the groundbreaking document of New York's nascent punk rock scene, Blank Generation. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Amos Poe
- Genres
- Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 2003 Wide
- Studio
- Cowboy Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Richard Harrington, Washington Post
Decidedly low-tech and not always particularly coherent or cohesive.
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Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
While the film's coziness toward its subject is ultimately frustrating, it does provide a welcome portrait of one of the music industry's genuine and rare iconoclasts.
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Monica Eng, Chicago Tribune
Even for a big fan like me, parts of this documentary (especially musical performances) just go on too long.
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Joan Anderman, Boston Globe
Earle's song introductions, like those of his mentors Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, are as meaty, pointed, and touching as the tunes themselves, and his spoken words -- full of humor and humanity -- are the heart of the film.
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Lou Lumenick, New York Post
A mediocre music documentary.
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