David Crosby: Remember My Name (A.J. Eaton, 2019): USA

Reviewed by William Edwards at the Santa Barbara Film Festival 2109.

I recently saw, “David Crosby: Remember My Name (2019)”, directed by A.J. Eaton at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and was delighted, not only with the honesty of the documentary itself but David Crosby himself sat and watched the movie, with his devoted wife, and talked to the audience after the movie.

The documentary was based upon the musical life of the influential musical groups of the turbulent 60’s and 70’s, “Crosby, Stills and Nash”, along with “Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young”.  In addition, we were treated with a glaring, no holds barred look at his turbulent relationships with band members as well as the affect of his experiments with drugs which in no uncertain terms, lead David down a very dark path of self-destruction and personal instability.

The documentary itself is a really nothing other than a testimony for not only for a cultural examination of the excesses of the age, but the potential for the harm that excessive drug use can do for any creative enterprise – regardless of the original genius of the musical temperament.

That said, it’s obvious to most people of that generation that Crosby not only had original talent but that he was devoted to the musical life and made enormous contributions to the musical genius of that period.  That in itself makes Crosby an important figure and deserves respect and love.  However, it becomes painfully obvious to the viewer that even before taking drugs, he had a rather immature, arrogant and volatile personality.  Given those two combinations, we saw quite dramatically the steady decline of a person who could have not only made better contribution to the musical period but had a rich life, also.  Instead we get to see a destructive and addicted personality go down the rabbit hole of degradation to such an extent that Mr. Crosby has no relationship to the all of the most important musical figures of his day – Graham Nash, Steven Stills and Neil Young – all who at present have nothing to do with him.

In addition to all that, Mr. Crosby has had to endure a variety of health problems, including diabetes, a transplanted liver and more than one heart attack.  Nevertheless, with all that tragedy – we get three important features to his personality that would endear and even perhaps, even inspire the most disheartened viewer: his talent and love for music, his bountiful honesty towards his lack of redeeming qualities and finally, his abject desire to live well and create.  The reason this documentary is so amazing is because of the negative conditions of the personality itself: an arrogant, volital and addictive personality through honest self understanding and application of a sincere desire to change can transform into a wise and loving person whom he obviously is.  This is a story of a true human being who has gone through the worst and has some through it all as a person who can appreciative life in all it’s fullest and garner appreciation for not only his abundant talent (his voice is still amazing) but demand empathy and compassion for a very intense person who has gone through an amazing and tempestuous journey.