Take a deeply intimate look at extraordinary teenager Billie Eilish. Award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler follows her journey on the road, onstage, and at home with her family as the writing and recording of her debut album changes her life.
Commentary: My love of music has always been on par with my love of film. It is more than safe to say I am a lot better musician than I am a filmmaker. I grew up in a family of musicians – on both sides – which makes me appreciate the creative process and the performance aspect. You don’t have to like a style of music to respect it. Any thoughts in this article will be my thoughts on the film and not – for the most part – my thoughts on Eilish or her art.
Fans of Billie will love every aspect of this documentary as we see her from the beginning of the writing process through the social media explosion. There are some very intimate moments in this film which to me are the most special. This is a young, insecure, girl who is thrust onto the world’s stage. Yes she is immensely talented but she is still just a child in many ways. Seeing her react to how others react to her is a recurring element in Cutler’s film. Intentional or not.
For those who love a good origin story and a “behind the music” template there is much for you too. You will have to admit that what her and her brother create in that tiny room in her parents house is pretty spectacular. It is a true, organic, natural, living, process that is void of multi producers, 80-track studios, and a countless group of lyricists. It is just two souls putting life to note. I believe this may be why her music resonates with so many. It it raw and emotional. Billie isn’t writing what will sell. She is creating art. That is important.
For everyone else this documentary may feel like a 3-hour car ride with an angst filled teenager. The film is unscripted moments caught on tape. Much of what we see is home movie-type footage. The quality is fantastic but much of it is fly on the wall interaction. This can be a tad monotonous. Have you ever spent time with a teenaged relative? They can be a handful. For every creative bone in Billie’s body there are just as many eye-rolling, unappreciative, rude, disrespectful, pain-in-the-butt ones as well. Her parents – like most – deserve a patience medal for sure.
The strong moments outweigh the weak in this documentary, and I do recommend it for those who fit into the first two categories of this commentary. If you can make it through the first 45 minutes you will know if this film is for you. The movie is rated R for language. Really, who talks to their parents like this at 15?? Anyway, that aside Cutler has captured the artist perfectly and offered it to fans and performers in a grand scale.
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