Posted on 06/24/2015 2:18:08 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Netflix's first commissioned doc paints a complex portrait of the legendary singer and her daughter. Filmmaker Liz Garbus: "I don't know how many of us could reveal [abuse] and not ask for editorial control."
A version of this story first appeared in the July 3 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Director Liz Garbus paints a balanced portrait of the legendary Nina Simone in Netflix's first commissioned documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?, including the emotional account from the singer's only daughter, Lisa, detailing the intense physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her iconic mother. Details of the abuse, which surfaced during filming of the doc (out June 26), came as a surprise to the accomplished documentarian who previously directed There's Something Wrong With Aunt Diane, Bobby Fischer Against the World and Love, Marilyn.
"The fact that Lisa was abused by Nina and by her father was not something I had known, but the first time I met Lisa I felt it," says Garbus. "I don't know how many of us could reveal that and not ask for editorial control. [But] without acknowledging the tough spots, how could you really acknowledge the full genius of who she was?"
Garbus discussed her creative process, her upcoming first narrative feature project and Simone's legacy during a chat with THR.
What has it been like to field responses since the film debuted earlier this year?
We debuted the film at Sundance and John Legend played there that night, which was such a beautiful tribute and homage. Then we've had a wonderful festival run, going to Berlin and now we're doing theatrical and, of course, leading up to Netflix on June 26 — it's been amazing. There are so many people who have different Ninas that
(Excerpt) Read more at hollywoodreporter.com ...
bookmark
” of the legendary Nina Simone”
Never heard of her.
That's nothing to brag about.
An awesome performer. And apparently a bit of a nutcase. Still love her music though.
Not uncommon among entertainers.
Yes.
I knew a guy that painted wonderful landscapes about 7 months out of the year. The remaining 5 months he spent in “vapor-lock”.
Yeah had to do a search on her - before my time.
Listened to the song - didn’t do too much for me. Too bad they can’t let the gal R.I.P.
Me either. Who is she?
Jazz singer from the 50’s and 60’s. Clicked through her first album VERY briefly on youtube. Lots of slow, soft instrumental parts. Her voice is mostly on the mellow side.
Nowadays, I wonder if the piano lounge act is a lost art...
Jump to the comments. They fileted the author rationalizing Simone’s “behavior.”
Wish I had been there!
Oh, plus Jonah Jones at the Embers and several different groups at Eddie Condon's on 52nd.
It's an eclectic collection, but I thoroughly enjoyed them all.
Very nice, thank you.
How much more difficult it must have been back then.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.