I went to the Norwood, which is so bourgie it’s ridiculous, to see “Searching for Elliott Smith,” the Elliott Smith “documentary” on Friday night. It was raining, appropriately. I have to say- though anything Elliott Smith should make me happy- this documentary did not.
It was very odd and low budget and utilized mediocre graphics, sound and editing. But all of that I could dismiss if the story held together. But it didn’t, sadly.
Gil Reyes directed “Searching for Elliott Smith” and though he clearly tried very hard to make a great documentary, the picture ended up being a vehicle for Smith’s fiance, Jennifer Chiba, to try and vindicate herself.
Smith’s death is still an open case because the police can’t prove that Smith killed himself or that Chiba killed him. In the police report and/or coroner’s report it is mentioned that Chiba “refused to speak with detectives.” On camera Chiba denied this and even took Reyes and the camera to the LA Police Department. It was a strange turn of events in the documentary and it almost seemed like a set up. Why didn’t Chiba attempt to speak to detectives 6 years ago, when Smith died?
It’s really too bad that the doc. couldn’t hold itself together because Reyes interviewed several people for it who gave illuminating interviews about Smith. Mary Lou Lord spoke of his beauty and his fear of record companies and becoming “corrupted.” Smith’s longtime Portland friend, roommate and tour mate Sean Croghan spoke about their early days together, Smith’s “dry wit” and even about Smith’s personal background (though when asked about physical abuse he said he didn’t feel comfortable.) Gus Van Sant was interviewed and so were the owners of Cavity Search Records who put out Heatmiser and “Roman Candle.” But Chiba took the show.
It was painfully said to hear her recount what happened the day Smith died. She cried through the interview and it was very real.
Reyes answered some questions after the screening and I asked him how he got the characters to be in the film and if he would have made it without their participation. He said he originally made it without the participation of Jennifer Chiba and when he showed her a rough cut she said she wanted in, which in and of itself, is odd.
He also said that the LAPD still have Smith’s journal. WHAT?!
Everyone who loves Elliott Smith should see “Searching for Elliott Smith.” But just don’t expect too much.
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October 29, 2009 at 2:40 am
MissyElliottSmith
The film is intentionally lo-fi to stay true to a key theme:
And that’s… the intentional destruction or sabotage of one’s work as an artistic expression.
In the film, David McConnell (musician) said Elliott often “destroyed” his art…. by using bad notes, weird sounds, and untuned guitars… particularly on his “Basement” album.
The film takes a similar approach… intentionally grainy video, lo-fi sound, simple graphics.
But in the end… REALLY GOOD CONTENT.
I kind of compare the film to “Roman Candle”… pretty simple recording techniques… but pretty deep in content.
Whether or not you like Chiba, there’s a lot of new, interesting information on Elliott in this film.
October 31, 2009 at 12:58 am
Lisa
I was (and still am) very excited to see this, though after reading your review I am a disappointed. The poster itself makes it pretty clear that she takes center stage in this documentary which should be about HIM not THEM, so I can’t say I’m surprised. I don’t think she deserves vindication nor can she get it from setting up scenes in a documentary to try and make herself look innocent.
November 4, 2009 at 12:28 am
Leslie Marie Cannon
It seems like this documentary is about Jennifer and less about Elliott, who is the true artist. Thumbs down for the film, but A for effort.
November 4, 2009 at 7:04 am
chubbychaser
Omitting Jennifer Chiba from an Elliott Smith documentary is like omitting the crucifixion in a documentary about Christ. Do you really want watered-down reality? Or do you want the side of the story from the only person alive who truly knows what happened? Open up your minds, people.
November 5, 2009 at 12:46 am
Carmine Raguza
I saw it and it’s good. And that’s coming from someone who actually watched the film, and not someone who relies on bloggers to decide their tastes. Though her part is probably the most memorable, Chiba is in like 10% of the whole movie. Anyone who says the documentary is all about her obviously hasn’t watched it or wasn’t paying attention.
November 5, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Elliott Smith Covers the Kinks « Microphone Memory Emotion
[...] was just the reunion of his sad passing on Oct. 21 and then a few days later I saw the documentary “Searching for Elliott Smith.” And then I was googling him looking for something i’d heard once before but needed to [...]
November 11, 2009 at 5:25 pm
the dustbin » Searching for Elliott Smith
[...] fiancee who has, until now, remained silent about the circumstances around his death). According to one reviewer who spoke with Reyes at the CMJ screening in October, the director “originally made it [...]
January 5, 2010 at 9:53 pm
nicole
hello ive been searching for this documentary on t he internet but cant find it. do you have any idea where can i watch it??
January 5, 2010 at 9:55 pm
fiercetalk
I don’t think it’s been distributed yet. The director was trying to figure that out when it was screened at CMJ.