Who Is Harry Nilsson? And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him? (2010)

Documentary from John Scheinfeld about the best male singer of the rock and roll era. Lots of talking heads, lots of saucer-eyed burn-outs (Brian Wilson babbles one or two things, and is not seen again) and, fortunately, lots of Harry's songs. He never performed live, so it was a shock to see clips of him on "Playboy After Dark" (hearing him sing live and off the cuff is startling, his voice effortlessly perfect). Harry, of course, ruined his voice by partying and for a while became better known for his drug and alcohol-fueled exploits than his musical output. He intentionally destroyed his voice, screaming until he was coughing up blood. It's a senseless and completely self-destructive act, enough to make any fan almost angry. I am a huge fan, so is this film interesting to someone who isn't? Only if you want to hear some of the most distinctive songs sung by the most astounding voice of the last half of the twentieth century.