Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me (2014)

As he struggles with Alzheimer's disease, country-music legend Glen Campbell embarks on his farewell tour in the U.S., Australia, and Europe.

Director:

James Keach

Stars:

Glen Campbell, Kim Campbell, Ronald Petersen

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 5 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Glen Campbell	...	Himself - Musician
Kim Campbell	...	Herself - Glen Campbell's Wife
Ronald Petersen	...	Himself - Neurologist (as Dr. Ronald Petersen MD)
Dave Kaplan	...	Himself - CEO, Surfdog Records
Julian Raymond	...	Himself - Record Producer
Ashley Campbell	...	Herself - Glen Campbell's Daughter
Bobbie Gale	...	Herself - Publicist
Jay Leno	...	Himself - Talk Show Host
Cal Campbell	...	Himself - Glen Campbell's Son
Shannon Campbell	...	Himself - Glen Campbell's Son
Jimmy Webb	...	Himself - Musician
Vince Gill	...	Himself - Musician
Brad Paisley	...	Himself - Musician
The Edge	...	Himself - Musician (U2)
Clancy Fraser	...	Himself - Transportation & Security

Storyline

This powerful portrait of the life and career of great American music icon Glen Campbell opens to the viewer the world of the singular talent who created hits like Rhinestone Cowboy, Wichita Lineman and Gentle on My Mind. Glen won the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2011, when Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he joined forces with his family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife, Kim, made history by going public with the diagnosis - the first time a major American celebrity would share this experience with the world. The Campbell family then embarked on a short "Goodbye Tour," but the three-week engagement turned into an emotional and triumphant 151-show nationwide tour de force. This epic human drama about the undying bond between Glen and Kim, and their unwavering caring for each other, chronicles a story of love, resilience and the power of song. GLEN CAMPBELL...I'LL BE ME is the true tale ...

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Plot Keywords:

country music | alzheimer's disease | celebrity | grammy | brain | 

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Taglines:

His music is legendary. His story is human.

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Family | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 April 2014 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Glen Campbell Biopic

Filming Locations:

Santa Barbara, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$27,930, 31 October 2014, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$365,522

Company Credits

Production Co:

PCH Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the only 2015 nominee who at the time of the nominations did not have over 100 votes.

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Connections

Features The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962)

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Soundtracks

It's Your Amazing Grace
Written by Glen Campbell and Julian Raymond
Performed by Glen Campbell

User Reviews

Alzheimer's Versus a Musical Icon

This is not your typical documentary which is directed by James Keach, as it places a glaring spotlight on the horrific and progressive disease of Alzheimer's, and its effects on the enormously talented musical icon Glen Campbell, as well as his family. Going public with the diagnosis, the film focuses on Campbell's "Goodbye Tour", which began in 2011 and extended through 2012.

Although there are, of course, references and film clips of Campbell's extraordinary career, which include his beginnings as a most talented studio musician for The Wrecking Crew, his sale of over 50 million records, his numerous awards including 5 Grammys, and his TV show "Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour", the movie places its main emphasis on how Alzheimer's is affecting Campbell on the tour, and on a day to day basis. There's also much feedback from those closest to Campbell, namely his wife Kim, his daughter Ashley, and sons Shannon and Cal who are playing with him on stage in his performances. Finally, there are tributes from many superstars in the field, some of who movingly share how Alzheimer's has affected their own family members.

One important aspect of the documentary is that Campbell's doctors fully support his tour as they demonstrate how doing what he loves to do can strengthen certain parts of his brain and slow the progression of the disease. His wife Kim recognizes that some will object to allowing Campbell to be so vulnerable in a public setting, but it's clear his adoring fans at his concerts will give him all the slack he needs just to see him in what will most likely be his final performances.

All in all, this can be a difficult film to watch, and I'd have to say it affected me quite deeply, but it can also be inspiring and illustrate how urgently we need to find a cure for this terrible disease.