Every Everything: The Music, Life & Times of Grant Hart (2013)

hyped garbage

Good concept, poorly executed.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

In this wonderful documentary, Gorman Bechard presents us with an intimate and candid portrait of the inimitable Grant Hart. This film subverts the traditional format of the rock documentary and in doing so gives us a compelling, engaging and at times haunting look at an indie rock legend.Having Grant as the sole narrator of his own story was a great idea, as he is such an intelligent and articulate storyteller. Having others reflect on his career and influence would only serve to distract from what this film is trying to achieve. His story brims with wit, sadness, honesty and told through that slightly sardonic tongue of his we are given a real glimpse of the man who has given us such achingly gorgeous, rousing music through Husker Du, Nova Mob and his own highly eclectic solo career. Throughout the movie, Hart touches upon his days in Husker Du, his friendship with William S Burroughs , his passion for collage art, his heroin addiction and his family. We are also given a heartbreaking tour of his 'house' that really resonates emotionally when the narrative arrives at the this point in his story. The location settings throughout the interviews are really interesting, and touch upon various points of his life and career. There is also some wonderful archival footage from the Husker Du/Nova Mob days( the footage of Nova Mob performing 'The Main" is absolute GOLD), as well as 2 hours of extra interview footage on the DVD that is worth the price of admission alone.An often misunderstood artist, who it seems gets misrepresented in his former songwriter partners more well documented history, 'Every Everything' is a must watch because it attempts to set the record straight without resorting to clichés, resentment and he said/she said bullshit dramatics.Its hard not to sometimes view Grant as a somewhat tragic and sad figure, but this film is as uncompromising and forward thinking as its subject.

Finally, Grant Hart has an opportunity to tell his story!One thing that struck me from the start is it's like having a good, long visit with him. He's a wellspring of all sorts of information and interesting anecdotes, and that was so well-captured in this film.Most poignant for me were the "house tour" segments. I remember the driveway, the table, the kitchen, the cats, and his dear mother. When he spoke to her spirit as he stood on the empty lot, I cried.Watching him make a collage was fascinating! I wish I had the $250 he said it looked like, so I could buy it from him. Support his art, AND give me something cool to hang up in my studio!The family photo retrospective was wonderful, and of particular interest was the picture of him with a perm. He told me the story about that once, and I couldn't imagine it. Now I've seen it, and was pleasantly surprised to see how well it suited him, back in the day.I was also thrilled that at least part of "Flexible Flyer," filmed in New Haven, was included. It was my request from him that night, and I was sitting within six feet of him as he sang. It was a really beautiful rendition.In the film, as in general conversation, Grant does not shy away from difficult subjects. He is forthright and forthcoming, and at times brutally honest.This bears watching, and re-watching, and I think I will find something new in it every time. Something I missed in all the previous viewings.Gorman Bechard has done a splendid job. I'm looking forward to the official DVD release, with all the extras.

I am a fan of the Minneapolis music scene of the 80s and saw Husker Du perform back in the day, but would not characterize myself as a huge fan. But I am a fan of Gorman Bechard's work so I was curious about his decision to make a film about Grant Hart, especially after seeing Grant in "Color Me Obsessed". I found every moment of this film absolutely fascinating, interesting, and unpredictable. Bechard managed to combine Grant Hart's musical history along with his personal and artistic history in a manner that brings you into the story, but doesn't dwell on anything so long that it becomes boring. Unlike "Color Me Obsessed," there is music and video of the band; my only complaint is that I don't think that enough of it really gave you the sense of what a maelstrom Husker Du were live. I did not realize that Hart had created all the artwork for Husker Du's albums and singles and the descriptions of that process were absolutely fascinating to me, especially in this day and age of Photoshop and digital files. I could have heard him talk about that for hours. I walked out of the film convinced that I needed to see it again, to make sure I didn't miss anything, which is probably the best compliment I could give it.

This movie gives an amazing insight into the life and mind of ex Husker Du drummer/singer Grant Hart. Hart is in pretty much every frame of the movie but is never dull or boring. He's a fascinating complex character and his music used shows what an underrated and talented songwriter he is. Filling a movie with one subject like this could be problematic at times but the director gives us the feel of actually sitting with Grant, you feel a connection with him and at times his honesty really knocks you back. I would recommend this movie to anyone with a love of great rock music or an interest into the workings of a true artist.