Eric Clapton documentary film Life In 12 Bars to premiere next month
A new documentary about the life and work of Eric Clapton will debut at Toronto International Film Festival next month.
Directed by Lili Fini Zanuck (who won an Oscar for her work on 1989 movie Driving Miss Daisie), Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars has been billed as ‘an unflinching and deeply personal journey into the life of legendary 18-time Grammy winner.’
The documentary has been produced by the acclaimed John Battsek (Searching For Sugar Man) and edited by BAFTA winner Chris King (Amy, Senna).
Featuring extensive interviews with Slowhand himself, the film boasts contributions from Eric’s family, friends, musical kindred spirits and the artists who influenced him.
The press blurb reads: “Spanning more than half a century of legendary popular musical innovation, the film contextualizes Eric Clapton's role in contemporary music and cultural history.
“This rare and deeply intimate film reflects on Clapton's traumatic childhood, his long and difficult struggle with drugs and alcohol and the tragic loss of his son and how he always found his inner strength and healing in music.”
Lili Fini Zanuck told Variety back in February: “Clapton’s music is the foundation of our film. His commitment to the blues, its traditions and originators, is absolute from his earliest days.
“He was also forever restless in his search of a suitable vehicle to shape and grow his artistic voice, often bewildering fans and the media with sudden changes in musical direction, bands, songs, guitar style, tone and physical appearance.”
Describing Eric’s personal life as the “spine of the film”, Zanuck added: “It is indeed a melancholic victory lap, full of nostalgic myth, but always musically potent, always looking to the future.
“Despite the fact that his path is strewn with tragedies, addiction and loss, he never fails to regain his bearings and continue to serve what he holds dearest – his music.”
The exact screening time is yet to be confirmed but Toronto Film Festival takes place from 7th to 17th September 2017. Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars will then air on Showtime in the US in 2018.