SYNOPSIS
At 81, Paul Simon grants an intimate look into the creation of his 2023 album, Seven Psalms, a collaboration with his wife. As the album takes shape, Simon reflects on his iconic music, from The Sound of Silence to Graceland, revisiting his remarkable journey and past self through the lens of his songs.
REVIEW
Acclaimed documentarian Alex Gibney, known for his masterful portrayals of iconic figures from Steve Jobs to Lance Armstrong and Julian Assange, as well as legends like Janis Joplin and Frank Sinatra, turns his lens to another musical giant in his latest film. In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon offers an intimate exploration of the creative genius behind the legendary folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. This compelling documentary traces Simon's remarkable journey from his roots in Queens, New York, through his seminal partnership with Art Garfunkel. Gibney chronicles their meteoric rise to fame, punctuated by timeless hits like The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water, and the groundbreaking album Graceland. The film doesn't shy away from the tensions that led to the duo's breakup, their brief yet historic reunion for the 1981 Central Park concert attended by half a million fans, and Simon's bold foray into world music, drawing rich influences from Latin America and South Africa. Gibney's narrative masterfully interweaves two timelines: the present-day Simon, grappling with hearing loss in his left ear while crafting his latest album Seven Psalms, and the tumultuous yet illustrious history of his musical career. This dual focus allows viewers to appreciate both the artist's enduring legacy and his unwavering commitment to his craft, even in the face of personal challenges.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
This film illuminates Paul Simon's six-decade career, tracing his path from early musical explorations with childhood friend Art Garfunkel to his evolution as a solo artist, relentlessly pursuing new creative horizons. It captures a unique, dreamlike performance, showcasing an artist who seamlessly traverses past and present, offering a poignant meditation on his life's work.