Bittersweet Symphony
Bittersweet Symphony

Bittersweet Symphony

2019Movie80 minEnglish

A musician who has just completed her first soundtrack to a Hollywood feature finds her personal life getting complicated.

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IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users88%
Director: Greg WilliamsGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the tumultuous creation and legal battles surrounding the iconic song 'Bittersweet Symphony' by The Verve. It delves into the complex issues of songwriting copyright and artistic ownership, told through the eyes of lead singer Richard Ashcroft. The film explores the personal and professional toll the dispute took on the band and its frontman.

Critical Reception

The documentary received a generally positive reception from critics, who praised its insightful look into the music industry's legal gray areas and the emotional impact of the song's controversial origins. Audiences appreciated the candid nature of Ashcroft's perspective.

What Reviewers Say

  • Explores the fascinating and often unfair realities of music copyright.
  • Richard Ashcroft's personal account offers a compelling and emotional perspective.
  • A must-watch for fans of The Verve and anyone interested in the music business.

Google audience: Google users largely praised the documentary for its honest portrayal of the 'Bittersweet Symphony' copyright dispute, highlighting Richard Ashcroft's emotional journey and the film's exploration of artistic rights.

Fun Fact

The legal battle over 'Bittersweet Symphony' was so intense that the songwriting credit was eventually transferred to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (of The Rolling Stones) due to the song's perceived similarity to their song 'The Last Time,' a decision Ashcroft has publicly stated he deeply regrets and is still fighting to overturn.

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