He became the embodiment of the musician-activist; his words and actions have often been as powerful as any political cartoon or op-ed in the New York Times. In the 1970s, Seeger began his tireless (and successful) battle to clean up the Hudson River with his sloop “The Clearwater.” When everyone told him it was impossible, Seeger built the 70-foot sloop, and took schoolchildren aboard her to sing, to work the rigging, to experience the river. As promised to his own children, the river became, once again, clean and (even) swimmable.
The DVD is a wonderful retrospective of Seeger’s career, and an insightful documentary that examines the unity and power created by the simple melodies and harmonies of folk music. My only quibble about the film is that it paints a very saintly portrait of the man, and although Seeger is, to be sure, deserving of every bit of credit given to him in the portrait, the filmmakers have rendered this undeniably complex a man bit one-dimensional. Seeger, the son of scholars, attended Harvard, became a commercially successful entertainer. Yet he eschewed urban intellectual society for a simpler life in rural New York, left his family for months at a time to pursue his musical and activist interests, and maintained ties to the Communist Party well into Stalin’s time. I believe that understanding what else makes Pete tick would render him a no less pivotal figure; no less an authentic American patriot, but would serve to make him human; make him real — as most heroes ultimately must be. It’s a small quibble.
There are several extras on the DVD, which, to be honest is worth every penny, if only to hear all of those wonderful songs emerge from Seeger’s eloquent banjo picking and his clear, rich tenor voice. The extras include several Seeger-produced short films, including “How to Play the Five String Banjo,” “Singing Fisherman of Ghana,” “How to Make a Steel Drum,” “Finger Song,” and “Wrapping Paper.” The DVD also includes three scenes not shown in the theatrical release of the documentary.
Article comments
1 - Derek Fleek
What about if your not familar with Pete Seeger? Do you think someone who isn't familar with Pete Seeger would enjoy this?
2 - Barbara Barnett
If you are a folk music fan -- or have an interest at all in what made (some) of the baby boom tick, I do think a non-Seeger fan would be interested. But it's so focused on Seeger himself, I think it's really a treat for the folkies.
On the other hand, if you want to know where Dylan, Springsteen find their roots--this film provide an important link.
3 - Barbara Barnett
I'm going to add as well that anyone who has an interest in the great protest movements of the 20th century (primarily the 30s through the 70s) would find this a fascinating examination of the times. Seeger was, in a sense, sort of a "Forrest Gump" with a banjo and a good voice--and a message.
4 - Derek Fleek
I have a copy that has been gathering dust, maybe I should take a look at it...