I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco

Released 2002
Stars Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Leroy Bach, Glenn Kotche, Jay Bennett, Greg Kot, Tony Margherita
Directed by Sam Jones

I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, the documentary by photographer Sam Jones, juggles three narratives. The first is the recording session, an angst-ridden tale of unshaven, heavy smokers indulging their creative whims in a dirty warehouse loft (cue the cellist!).

The second is the conflict with "The Man," who it turns out is less evil than stupid. No wonder big labels claim to have trouble making money.

The third is the schism between founding co-songwriters Jeff Tweedy (and band's leader) and Jay Bennett. And it's the least satisfying segment of the movie. Though the camera is freely intrusive in the recording sessions --even following the migraine-prone Tweedy to the loo for a closeup of him throwing up -- it shows fairly little of what led to this profound expulsion of a key member. The most we see is a pointless argument over a soundboard, regarding a miscommunication and an expensive re-take. In general Bennett seems annoyed and stressed, but we never know why.

Summary by JIM SLOTEK

I didn't know anything about Wilco before watching this DVD, and now I'm not sure what to think of them. In the opening recording sessions they sound like an alt-country/rock band, but later they sound derivative of several other straight rockers. It's like the difference between Neil Young when he plays a stripped down set and when he plays his bombastic shows with Crazy Horse. I'd like to listen to one of their CD's to figure out what their albums really sound like--preferably I'd like to hear "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot". As far as the movie goes, it's ok. It's always nice to watch music being created, but the storyline is kind of murky. I have no idea why Jay Bennett is booted, and that should have been explained. It was so obnoxious to hear the one guy say their 16 year friendship had "run its course." There must have been a buildup of many reasons, but they could have given us one. Overall this DVD seems like a promotional video for the band, and it just doesn't give us enough insight to make it interesting enough for anyone other than their fans. --Bill Alward, August 5, 2003