In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon

Let me begin by confessing that Simon was a source of tremendous comfort during my adolescence, my primary guitar teacher, me being a self taught guitarist, and the single most direct influence on my own musical creations. I can do a few things on the guitar because of learning by ear (no tabs, no internet) that few guitarists can do. And the backdrop to all of this was what I believed to be a strongly human ethic as evidenced in at least a few of his songs. Alas, the fire disappeared over the years. No one writes anything like the protest songs of old. Remember that Scarborough Fair had an antiwar counter melody? I will refrain from reciting the obvious reasons for this. However, there is still a weird thing that is bugging me. The transformation of Sounds of Silence from a folky niche piece to a gigantic hit is covered in this documentary, and it is covered wrong. Simon did not know they were doing it, he sure as heck did not give anyone permission, and the entire coverage discounts the massive luck or divine destiny which he was blessed with. There are also bizarre issues regarding Simon's recognition of the inspiration for the Seven Psalms, but, hey, we all get old. Why am I being so hard on Paul?

To whom much is given, much is expected.

Great history of the first years of his and Garfunkel's lives and careers. Those albums and performances are in the pantheon of 60's musical creations. Way too much footage, though, of him noodling his new album. And isn't the guitar lick he channeled in a dream the same one from Anji 60 years ago?

But the episode ends with a completely unnecessary and cruel remark about his ex partner: After saying his five year friendship with him was his first great friendship with someone who got him, he then says Garfunkel is now someone he never wants to see again. At this point in their lives, was it really necessary to make such a cruel public rejection? I'm sure he had the clout to remove that even if it wasn't his choice to include it.

Paul and Alex Gibney did a beautiful job...tastefully done, showcasing different eras of Paul's incredible career

It was awesome to see behind the scenes of Paul's process...I liked the chronological approach personally

A true portrait of a resilient, brilliant artist whose songs have moved us for years!

The only thing that could have enhanced the experience is an Art Garfunkel interview but obviously that would have been tough to pull off! I'm probably asking for too much!

I hope to see Paul live someday...hopefully his hearing improves and he can tour Seven Psalms. It would be a treat to see

Thank you Paul for your contributions to our culture

Ryan from chicago.

The outstanding songs of Simon included in this film are beyond entertaining... they express soulful themes. Director Alex Gibney made a wise choice in structuring this film. Thankfully, there are no talking heads which so many music docs depend on. The conversations mostly flow from Paul Simon, during studio sessions and various concerts.

The scene about Simon's brief marriage to Carrie Fisher focused more on photographs of them. I felt that all three of his wives got the short shrift. While it's clear that Simon adores his wife Edie, and they've shared a long, successful partnership, she could have been highlighted more.

The film makes several references to the struggles between Simon and Garfunkel, and why Paul decided to forge his own path. He makes a few biting comments which could be misconstrued, but maybe at this point Simon is not too concerned about what fans and critics might say.

As good as this film is, there was a missed opportunity in Part 2 regarding the brilliant musicians, vocalists, and dancers from South Africa, Jamaica, and Brazil. These gifted people were essential contributors in expanding Simon's repertoire. They are shown on old footage, but most are not acknowledged by name. The film could have remedied this by using screen text, to give them their due credit. Also wonderful are the vocalists from VOCES8, who recently worked with Simon.

Tells the story of Simon's rise from boy in Queens New York, making music as a duo with his friend to rise as perhaps the greatest songwriter of our time.

The direction and editing are very well done, the visuals add so much.

I remember his early years with Garfunkel. The public story line was how much of a collaboration it was. In reality it was more like 99% Paul. Garfunkel's voice added an ethereal beauty to the vocals. But as I got deeper into the story I was reminded of the amazing directions Simon's music took. Not content with doing the same old thing he forged a kinship with musicians from South Africa and Brazil. He really is a musical genius.

This tells the story of his latest album, a miracle in itself considering he is now completely deaf in one ear. This entire album was born from a dream.