REVIEW: ‘Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band’
Photo: Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band looks back at Robertson’s time in one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Photo courtesy of Don Dixon / Provided by Magnolia Pictures with permission.
The Band — an influential group featuring Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson — didn’t have the longest of careers, but what they produced musically is still legendary to this day. From their classic “The Weight” to their unique rendition of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” their collective output was near-perfection, some type of cosmic coming together of all the right elements.
A new documentary, called Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band, looks closer at the power of this group, told through the eyes of Robertson, who provided vocals and guitar work for the outfit. Much of the narrative is based on his autobiography, Testimony.
For Band enthusiasts, the movie is a must-see. There are many insights and personal stories that detail the early years, before there was even a Band; the touring with Bob Dylan; and the collaboration and success they eventually found while camped out in Woodstock, New York.
Some of the messy details of their breakup, the drug use and the legacy of these memorable songs are largely glossed over with few details. This is mostly a Robertson vehicle, which is appreciated in that this member of the group comes through as the most well-defined, but it does leave the stories of the other members a little hurting for screen time.
The dynamic between Robertson and Helm is particularly interesting. Theirs appears to be a friendship and working relationship built on mutual admiration, obvious skill and the occasional conflict. They almost come across as a John Lennon and Paul McCartney team — brilliant and complementary, sometimes at odds with each other.
The archival footage in the documentary is a marvel to behold, in particular the scenes detailing the final concert of the Band — unforgettably captured by director Martin Scorsese for The Last Waltz film. Scorsese actually turns up as a talking head in this one, and he serves as one of the executive producers.
Robertson’s taped interviews receive the most minutes throughout the Daniel Roher-directed film, and a lot is learned from his careful stitching together of the Band’s unique history. This is not merely a listing of dates and gigs, but rather an emotional ride into the heart of rock and Americana music. Motivations are discussed, important chapters are considered and hindsight is afforded to each and every proceeding. The intervening years since the Band called it quits seem to have made Robertson reflective, content and at peace with the unparalleled legacy.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band (2019). Directed by Daniel Roher. Featuring Robbie Roberston. Running time: 102 minutes. Rating: 
