Journey Through the Past
Journey Through the Past

Movie spotlight

Journey Through the Past

1972
Movie
79 min
English

Self-directed combination of concert footage from 1966 onward, backstage footage and art film-like sequences.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes33%
Director: Neil YoungGenres: Drama, Music, Western

Plot Summary

This experimental film follows a fictionalized version of Neil Young and his band, Crazy Horse, as they navigate the complexities of fame and artistic integrity. Interspersed with performance footage, the narrative explores themes of alienation and the search for meaning amidst the pressures of the music industry. The story unfolds in a dreamlike, often surreal manner, reflecting Young's personal artistic vision at the time.

Critical Reception

Neil Young's 'Journey Through the Past' was met with a largely bewildered and often negative reception from critics and audiences alike upon its release. Its unconventional structure, abstract narrative, and lengthy, unedited performance sequences proved challenging for mainstream viewers. While some recognized its artistic ambition and its value as a raw, unfiltered look into Young's psyche, the film was generally considered self-indulgent and difficult to follow.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised by some as a unique artistic statement, but widely criticized for its amateurish filmmaking and rambling structure.

  • Considered by many to be overly self-indulgent and inaccessible to a general audience.

  • Offers a rare, unvarnished glimpse into Neil Young's creative process and personal struggles.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely mixed, with many finding the film too experimental and lacking in conventional narrative structure, while a smaller group appreciates its artistic boldness and candid portrayal of the artist.

Fun Fact

Neil Young self-funded and directed 'Journey Through the Past' himself, believing that it was too personal and unique to entrust to a traditional studio or director.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review