Big Screen: Amy

I like her songs "Rehab," "Tears Dry on Their Own"--especially the part in the chorus that says
He walks away,
The sun goes down,
He takes the day
But I'm grown--,
and one I just heard on the soundtrack last night, "Valerie." Went by myself to see this documentary, as H. has been under work pressure and leaves early Monday for a trip. [Tomorrow, we'll be driving 5 hours round trip to South Jersey to spend the day at Mimi's and pick up our Punchy. I hear paddle-boating on Mimi's pond will be featured.]

The movie is a bit gut-wrenching...the bulimia is sad [why did she have to suffer so much?], as is the unhealthy relationship with the man she marries...the look at her divorced parents is eye-opening....her girlhood/lifelong friends are touching....her smoky voice and duet with Tony Bennett are cool....the stark look at how drugs and alcohol can destroy lives, talented lives, is hard to bear. Her songwriting process, with pen on paper, was inspiring.

I wish she could have gotten better and lived on. She was 27. Watching someone brilliant [or not] fade and fall apart before your eyes is heartbreaking. She poured so much soul into her work.

I can't lie: Sitting in that cushy theater seat, my water cup by my side, I said some prayers that Figgy, who is also a talented artist, stays on a safe path. Also prayed for Marc and for her friends. Their lives seem so intense sometimes. I pray they find a peaceful path in life.

I would recommend this film.