What's Happening?
The movie 'Song Sung Blue,' directed by Craig Brewer, features a selection of Neil Diamond's songs performed by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Despite the extensive catalog of Neil Diamond's music, some of his iconic songs were excluded from the film's soundtrack. Notably, the patriotic song 'America' and the duet 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' were filmed but ultimately not included in the final cut of the movie. Brewer expressed the difficulty of choosing which songs to include, given Diamond's prolific career. The film, which runs for 2 hours and 13 minutes, focuses on the story of a tribute duo, Lightning & Thunder, played by Jackman and Hudson. The soundtrack includes popular hits like 'Sweet Caroline' and 'Forever In Blue Jeans,' but misses
other classics such as 'Love on the Rocks' and 'September Morn.'
Why It's Important?
The exclusion of certain Neil Diamond songs from 'Song Sung Blue' highlights the challenges filmmakers face when adapting the work of prolific artists. This decision impacts fans who may have anticipated hearing their favorite tracks in the film. The choice to omit 'America,' a song with significant cultural resonance, may affect the film's reception among audiences who associate it with national pride. Additionally, the film's soundtrack choices reflect broader trends in how classic music is curated for modern audiences, potentially influencing future projects that aim to celebrate legendary artists. The film's approach to Diamond's music could also affect its commercial success and critical reception, as the soundtrack plays a crucial role in the movie's appeal.
What's Next?
The film's release will likely prompt discussions among fans and critics about the song selection and its impact on the storytelling. The decision to include a performance of 'America' as a Blu-ray extra may appease some fans, but others may still express disappointment over its exclusion from the theatrical release. The film's success could lead to further adaptations of Neil Diamond's work or inspire similar projects featuring other iconic musicians. Additionally, the reception of 'Song Sung Blue' may influence how future films handle the adaptation of extensive musical catalogs, balancing artistic vision with fan expectations.
