Songwriter

"It's a short term loan on a long term lie. It's called 'high finance.'"

"The only reason I drink is so people don't think I'm a dope fiend."

"Do you suppose a man has to be a miserable son of a bitch all the time, just to write a good song now and then'"

New York Times - 06/28/1985
"...[Nelson and Kristofferson] declare war on the music business with SONGWRITER, and they very nearly win....Establishes the maverick directorial touch of [Rudolph]..."

Variety - 10/17/1984
"...A good natured film....Rip Torn does another superior job in a supporting role..."

This winning, amiable film stars Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson as longtime friends and stars of the Nashville music scene. When producer-songwriter Doc (Nelson) finds himself trapped in an exclusive contract with shifty exec Rodeo Rocky (Richard C. Sarafian), he comes up with a clever plan to break free, recruiting old pal Blackie Buck (Kristofferson) and an insecure, alcoholic torch singer named Gilda (Leslie Ann Warren) to help him.

Directed by Alan Rudolph, this is a real charmer of a film, featuring the perfectly cast team of Nelson and Kristofferson. The two share a great rapport and together wrote most of the film's songs, beauties all. Add Rip Torn as Gilda's unscrupulous manager and the film is a veritable Mount Rushmore of great craggy American faces. As a celebration of the joy, sorrow, and craft of songwriting, this warmhearted, funny film is a dusty gem that still sparkles.

SONGWRITER is an amusing look at the country-western music business from the point of view of a popular singer-songwriter who splits up with his best friend and partner, as well as his wife, and gets himself involved with an unsavory manager who tries to steal his work.

Country Music | Friends | Musicians | Theatrical Release

Genre:

• Drama Movies

Movie Categories:

• Dramas