Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound

Joan Baez was the voice of her generation, a brilliant and stunning beauty who sang like an angel yet breathed fire when it came to her socially conscious views. "How Sweet the Sound" is a portrait of her career as a singer and social activist, from the early years with her glowing success and relationship with Bob Dylan (who is in the film), to her staunch support of Civil Rights and antiwar movements, to later support of the people of Sarajevo, and continued prolific work as a singer/songwriter. This retrospective of Baez's career is a loving portrait of the artist, with her beatific songs providing a contrast to the more contentious parts of her life and personality. Baez herself appears in the film and is as radiant and outspoken as any time during the course of her life. "Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound" is a excellent examination of a beautiful, talented, and determined personality.