Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why is Everybody Talkin' About Him)?

Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why is Everybody Talkin' About Him)? (2006)

  • 91% of critics liked it
    (11 reviews)

  • 88% of users liked it
    (659 ratings)

Although he never became the kind of international superstar someone with his remarkable skills should have, Harry Nilsson was arguably the most respected singer, songwriter, and record maker of the '70s, winning a pair of Grammys for his covers of "Everybody's Talkin'," and… More

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Unrated,
Directed By
Genres
Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary
In Theaters
Sep 10, 2010 Wide
On DVD
Oct 26, 2010
Lorber Films

Critic Reviews

  • Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times

    A personal, generous tribute reel designed to keep a musical master's legacy very much alive.

  • V.A. Musetto, New York Post

    Conventional in style and is likely to mean more to the sadly forgotten musician's fans than to others.

  • A.O. Scott, New York Times

    The point of it is not, in the end, to explain him or solve the mystery of his life, but rather to spend time in his company and understand why he is someone to be missed.

  • David Fear, Time Out New York

    Who Is Harry Nilsson is a worthwhile portrait of a genius who made beautiful music, and a case study for how to tragically, epically self-destruct.

  • Andrew Schenker, Village Voice

    Sticking closely to the archival footage and talking-heads formula, it's the quality of the former and the sense of personal involvement in the latter that elevates the film above the run-of-the-mill rockumentary.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • Spencer S


    A very interesting look into the life of one of my favorite musicians. Nilsson's life seemed to be unlike anyone other's, including friendships with The Beatles, Robin Williams, and legendary producer Richard Perry. Exploring through Harry's music, accounts from his… More

  • Stella D


    requiem for a guy who almost wasn't famous. considered by many of his peers to be one of the finest singer/songwriters of his generation, his brief brush with success almost destroyed him. most remembered today for singing someone else's song which became the theme of the… More

  • Eric B


    A meticulous, well-made documentary about the late singer-songwriter, though it never quite gets inside his head to explain why he was so self-destructive. It's too bad that more archived conversation footage wasn't available -- the prime resource for Nilsson quotes seems to… More

  • Jason R


    Fantastic! Everything about the man (musically and personally) is so intriguing and wonderful. This was a great movie and an absolute pleasure to watch.

  • Ed Fucking H


    Yeah Harry Nilsson was great, and under recognized. And yes it's a good thing that a few more people might know who he is as a result of this film. But no, this isn't any better than some VH1 Behind the Music Episode. 20 year gaps in the story really don't help either.… More

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

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