A revered folk-punk hero, whose remarkable gift for melodies belied the darkness of his lyrics. A decisive songwriter whose work influences musicians to this day. US singer/songwriter Elliott Smith (1969-2003) died tragically aged just 34, but his legacy lives on – and now Australian fans have the chance to celebrate his life with exclusive, one-night-only screenings of acclaimed documentary Heaven Adores You.
Directed by Nickolas Rossi, produced by Jeremiah Gurzi, Kevin Moyer and Marc Smolowitz and brought to Australia by Mushroom Pictures, Heaven Adores You is the first comprehensive film about the prolific musician. Heaven Adores You features over 30 interviews with Smith’s closest friends and collaborators, creating an intimate and personal history never seen before. It’s also the first film to be allowed to use Smith’s catalogue – including 20 previously unreleased pieces of music.
Mourned by many of the world’s best songwriters (his fans and friends included Beck, Cat Power, Death Cab For Cutie, Lou Barlow, Eels, Conor Oberst, Beth Orton, Moby, Rilo Kiley, Grandaddy and more), the ex-Heatmiser guitarist first made his solo name with 1994’s intimate, acoustic debut Roman Candle, released via Kill Rock Stars. Living in Portland, Smith quickly rose to mainstream prominence when his song “Miss Misery” – included in the soundtrack for the film Good Will Hunting (1997) – was nominated for Best Original Song at the 1998 Oscars.
Smith’s body of work – including albums Elliott Smith, Either/Or, XO, Figure 8 – quickly set a benchmark, tracks like “Waltz #2 (ZO)”, “Baby Britain”, “Needle In The Hay”, “Son Of Sam” and many more showing his lush pop-craft and morbid depths.
Smith struggled with depression and drug use throughout his career, eventually committing suicide in Los Angeles from two stab wounds to the chest. The film focuses on Elliott’s life and music.
Heaven Adores You premiered in May 2014 at the San Francisco International Film Festival and has gone on to screen at 35+ film festivals on four continents, including AFI Docs, DOC NYC, Melbourne International Film Festival, International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, CPH: Dox, among others. This is the first time it has been screened outside of a film festival in Australia.
To celebrate the screening, we’re giving one lucky reader the opportunity to score a double pass to the cinema of their choice, enter your details below for a chance to win!
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