Where Are You, Jay Bennett?

2021

Documentary

IMDb Rating 7.5/10 10 73 73

Plot summary

A feature-length documentary about musician Jay Bennett (1963-2009), who was a key member of Wilco on the "Being There," "Summerteeth," "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" and "Mermaid Avenue" albums.

Director

Gorman Bechard Photo
Gorman Bechard

Top cast

Billy Bragg Photo
Billy Bragg as Self
Brian Koppelman Photo
Brian Koppelman as Self
Chris Green Photo
Chris Green as Self
Mark Rubel Photo
Mark Rubel as Self
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
952.82 MB
1280*720
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
24 fps
1 hr 43 min
Seeds ...
1.73 GB
1920*1080
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
24 fps
1 hr 43 min
Seeds ...

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by jennhus 9 / 10

Enjoyed this doc far more than I anticipated I would

I'll admit as a huge Wilco fan (and therefore a bit "protective" of Jeff Tweedy maybe?) I was nervous to see this film as I thought it might position Tweedy as the villain and Jay as the hero (to flip the script from I Am Trying To Break Your Heart). But this film didn't do that. It was an intricate study of a complex person who happened to be a multi-instrumental genius singer-songwriter. It helped fill in so much of the picture of someone who was instrumental (no pun intended) in pushing Wilco to its highest heights - but also someone who, ultimately, seemed to have an insatiable desire to constantly push boundaries and ride the lightning in such a way that just was not sustainable in a band context. I feel more empathy for Jay certainly than I did before this film, and I also understand my favorite band (and why the Jay era is my favorite era) better. It is artfully done but not precious - great use of live concert footage, interviews, animation, and music. The only thing I think would have improved it was hearing from other collaborators who knew or worked with Jay but as documentary fillmmakers you can't control who will or won't speak to you! Very engaging and I look forward to owning the DVD when it comes out, I will watch it again and will definitely delve into the extra footage.
Reviewed by mmooney-26105 9 / 10

For every Wilco fan

An in depth story into a complex man who had a huge role in the evolution of a great band. Ultimately he may have been a tortured soul with an over abundance of creativity, but he pushed the band to the heights they achieved after he was let go. I enjoy the before and after versions of their music, but if you're a fan of their post Yankee Hotel Foxtrot catalog, Jay deserves credit for the experimental nature of the next few records. It's also a nice counter narrative to I Will Break Your Heart. The video quality isn't great, but the story is worth it. His family lends great insight. May he rest in peace.
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