runamokprods
A sad, lovely and poetic (if brief at 48 minutes) look at the life and music of singer-songwriter Nick Drake. As someone who respects Drake's work, but doesn't know it the way a real fan would, I found the documentary a bit opaque at times. I suspect it will have more impact to those already intimate with Drake's art. But the film was still strikingly visual, artistic and subtle compared to most retrospective pieces about artists, while still giving a surprising amount of insight into both Drake's battles with depression, and his creative process. It made me determined to sit down and really listen to Drake's music, which is, in some ways, the best compliment you can pay a film like this.
FeverDog
So I'm perusing the box office charts today (6/7/02) in Variety, and I notice that THE DAYS OF NICK DRAKE is #94 on the list. I have been waiting to see this doc since I first heard about it two years ago, and now Variety states it's playing one (1) screen. Where is this phantom theatre? I'd have sniffed it out if it was here in New York, so I'm guessing El Lay is the lucky town.In any case, I've loved Nick Drake's music for years, and I won't describe the hissy-fit I had when I first saw that Volkswagon commercial. The protective music geek in me felt violated by corporate America's co-opting of 'Pink Moon,' a blissful two minutes of aural sublimity. On the other hand, several readings of Nick's biography help me accept that he had always wanted mainstream success and not be relegated to a cult act. I'm just glad that I had been cherishing his music ("Bryter Layter" is my favorite album of his) for years beforehand, and that his music had finally gotten some recognition.Anyway, it's obvious that I haven't seen this film, so perhaps I shouldn't be posting on IMDb about it. Hopefully it will soon be released on DVD so we poor shlubs not anywhere near that random theatre can see it.
stueygill
The film is really a bunch of relevant imagery and interviews put to Nick Drakes music. This, I think, was the best approach in tackling the simple and sad story of this ever growing in popularity singer/song-writer.A Skin Too Few ends up looking like part documentary and part promotional video, with some whole songs put into context with footage of Cambridge for 'Five Leaves Left' period and the streets of London for 'Bryter Layter'.This is not an in depth source of information, rather a gentle story - told mainly by the music - in a way that will only add to the mystery of why Nick Drakes music seems to genuinely touch so many people.
jon2
As a longtime(pre-Volkswagen ad)Drake fan, it's a real pleasure to see such a fine film made about his short life and the lasting impact of his music. A mixture of atmospheric scenes set Drake songs, interviews with his friends and family and even childhood footage of Nick himself, it's well worth checking out if you have even a passing interest. I understand that there are plans to release it on video sometime during 2001, which would be great and serve as an excellent introduction to world of Nick Drake.
AD
