Young@Heart Review
Posted by Chad Webb on 04.17.2008
A funny and touching documentary with people rockin’ it in their 80’s and 90’s.
Featuring, As Themselves:
Bob Cilman
Stan Goldman
Jeanne Hatch
Patricia Linderme
Steve Martin
Directed By: Stephen Walker
Release Date: April 9, 2008
Running Time: 107 minutes
Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.
In recent years, documentaries have made a consistent improvement in how broad an audience they reach. Box office totals for the genre have been increasing despite the hang-up of limited releasing capacity. If nothing else, March of the Penguins and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters prove how documentaries are striving to gain the attention of younger viewers. Young@Heart, a new film chronicling an elderly singing group that practices a wide variety of strange tunes, is sure to stir the core of anyone with a soul. This jewel will positively make you laugh and cry simultaneously.
This wacky trip commences with 92-year-old Eileen Hall belting “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” by the Clash. Viewers know right away what to expect. The chorus director is Bob Cilman, and he is handing out sheets of six new songs for the 24 members to rehearse. Among them are selections by Sonic Youth, James Brown, and Allen Toussaint. They are preparing for an important concert show, and only have a certain number of sessions in which to perfect the numbers. Because the occasion is special, Bob is recruiting two retired members that bowed out due to health problems. Pulling this off is no easy task. The gang must deal with orders from the active Cilman, sporadic health scares, and an arranged deadline. The way they all soldier on through difficult times will tug at your heart strings.
No doubt this is a fun little topic to focus on, but what makes this film noteworthy and memorable is how it delves deeper into the group's personal lives. There is a moment where the mood shifts on how one perceives Young@Heart. Because I don’t wish to spoil anything, I’ll keep my mouth shut, but this could have easily settled as a mildly enjoyable TV event. Incidentally, a documentary was shown on Britain’s channel 4 in 2007, but was extended for international release. The fact that the world can witness the sacrifices, determination, and dedication by these people casts an unforgettable and uplifting spell.
Time is afforded to several members, but one in particular will stand out from the word go. His name is Steve Martin, not to be confused with the comedic actor of course. He is an ex-Marine with more energy than folks half his age. Deciphering specific voices in any choir is hard, but not with his. Steve rips down the road in a sports car at high speeds, and refers to himself as a sexy beast. A pivotal scene for me was opting for the two retired members to perform a duet of “Fix You”, my favorite song by the band Coldplay. Fred Knittle is one part of this. He is a jovial and instantly likable senior citizen that must get around with a walker and air pump. His climax will induce tears for anybody.
This entertainment group is currently, and has since been, comprised of people of at least 70 years of age. It was founded in 1982 in Northampton, Massachusetts where all members lived in a housing project called The Walter Salvo House. They have completed 12 tours in Europe, Australia, and Canada, and have also done 10 shows in 10 days. Director Stephen Walker also helmed the television documentary. He has only been working in film since around 1995, but sticks mostly with this field. His first cut of the feature was over 3 and 1/2 hours long. Credit must be given specifically to the band, whose faultless timing and patience are just remarkable.
At the screening I attended, sound mixer Mark Mandler was on hand to answer some questions. One of the first was the inevitable inquiry as to how many were professionals. It amounts to 1 or 2, but that is beside the point. This is not a reality show or merely a funny joke. It is not American Idol. These ladies and gents do not contribute for fame, money, or a record deal (although you can purchase a CD on the website). They sing because they genuinely want to brighten someone’s day. The prison performance and the hilarious music videos are evidence of that. The passion is clear on their faces, however wrinkled or worn. Mr. Mandler also mentioned how similar to school kids they all acted in that the troop is segregated into obvious sections. Young at heart indeed.
The 411: Young@Heart is not a documentary that wanted to make any grand statements. Director Stephen Walker and the elderly chorus had the goal to entertain, and they have done all that and more in this film. On a side note, the Young@Heart chorus was invited to perform with Sonic Youth, but had to decline for scheduling conflicts. My only issue would be that this is not really an effort one would watch more than once. It will stir up the emotions, and bring a smile to your face, but after that, most of us will move on. At least those who did experience this will have seen pure inspiration. See this if you can, and make a note to rent it when the DVD comes out.
