Even those that don’t like Don McLean’s track “American Pie” must admit that it’s a particular popular culture achievement. A virtually eight-and-a-half minute allegory that goes from mournful to infectious to mournful once more, the monster 1971 radio hit is seemingly identified to all generations and nonetheless sung at bar-closing instances the world over.
That final truth is in line with this reverent documentary concerning the track. Directed by Mark Moormann, the film travels throughout America to convey dwelling the concept “American Pie” says one thing profound concerning the nation. It interweaves McLean’s biography with an account of the final days of the ’50s rockers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Massive Bopper, making a compelling narrative concerning the impact the airplane crash that took their lives in 1959 had not simply on younger McLean, however American music itself. The film then alternates with a historical past of McLean’s skilled profession (together with his mentoring by the folks legend Pete Seeger) and scenes during which stars together with Garth Brooks rhapsodize concerning the track.
Again within the day, children analyzing the lyrics surmised that the bits about “the satan” expressed McLean’s ethical and aesthetic disapproval of Mick Jagger. However to most of the interviewees right here, together with Brooks (who introduced McLean onstage to sing it with him at his large Central Park live performance in 1997) and the Cuban-born musical artist Rudy Pérez, the track is “about freedom.”
The film actually comes alive when it’s recreating the recording session for the track, displaying how the ace studio keyboardist Paul Griffin remodeled the tune together with his energetic gospel-style piano.
McLean, who has incessantly been portrayed as a prickly determine, and worse, places on his most ingratiating mien right here. And why not. Few musicians are given such beneficiant alternatives to be docent to their legacies.
The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’
Not rated. Working time: 1 hour 34 minutes. Watch on Paramount+.