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Carole King: Natural Woman

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Carole King: Natural Woman

NR201652

Where to Watch Carole King: Natural Woman

"Carole King: Natural Woman" chronicles the life of Carole King, one of the world’s most celebrated songwriters of the late 20th century, from her early beginnings in Brooklyn, to her remarkable success as a songwriter for some of the biggest acts in pop history, to finally establishing herself as a much-loved solo artist. This compelling 90-minute documentary is a testament to King's incredible life and career, illuminating her transformative influence on popular music and her enduring legacy that resonates to the present day.

The movie unfolds through a deftly woven blend of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, candid discussions, and electrifying performances, providing viewers with a nearly panoramic view of Carole King's life and artistic journey. It delves into King's childhood upbringing in a household filled with passion for music, her fervent teenage years spent writing songs, and her subsequent rise to fame.

Audiences learn of the challenges King faced in a predominantly male music industry, how she forged long-lasting creative partnerships, and the personal events that inspired some of her most beloved songs. Notably, emphasis is placed on her relationship with Gerry Goffin – her co-writer and husband whose turbulent bond with King resulted in some of the iconic pop songs in the history of music, which continue to remain poignant and pop-culture essentials. The movie also delves into Carole's struggles as a young mother in the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, with the socio-political conditions of the era providing a compelling backdrop to her experiences.

"Carole King: Natural Woman" captures the pivotal moment that marked her transition from a songwriter to a performing artist, culminating in the creation and release of her Grammy-winning album "Tapestry." Regarded as one of the best-selling albums of all time, "Tapestry" was an assertion of her musical prowess and a landmark album that laid the foundation for the singer-songwriter genre.

Adding depth to the narrative, the movie features intimate interviews with friends, family, musical collaborators, and the music industry giants who benefited from King's talents, including fellow musicians James Taylor, Lou Adler, Danny Kortchmar, and more. From sharing their first-hand experiences to recounting funny anecdotes, their valuable insights unravel a multi-faceted portrait of Carole King and paint a vivid picture of the historical moments she shaped and lived through.

Moreover, the abundance of rare archival footage in the documentary pulls you back in time, depicting everything from King's early performances in small clubs and concert halls to her rise to superst death. Adding a rich layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the film, these snippets help visually illustrate King's musical and personal evolution over the decades.

Perhaps what sets "Carole King: Natural Women" apart from other documentaries is its exploitative and unflinching approach towards storytelling. The film doesn't shy away from addressing the hurdles and controversies that King faced. Instead of romanticizing her life, it presents raw, sometimes unflattering, but ultimately honest glimpses of a woman who struggled with adversity and went on to achieve groundbreaking success.

King’s presence in the documentary is poignant and enlightening, as she opens up about her inspirations, motivations, and the emotional and mental challenges she faced throughout her career. She is down-to-earth and genuine, and viewers are gifted with unique insights into her complexities and extraordinary tenacity.

In essence, "Carole King: Natural Woman" is not just a mere biographical recounting. It is a heartening archive of an empowering female figure in popular music history, a resilient woman who overcame professional and personal obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. It's an ode to Carole King's creative genius and incredible journey, one which not just influenced the trajectory of popular music, but also transcended it. As you sit and watch this movie, you experience a deep sense of respect towards Carole King while being reminded of her timeless classics that have touched millions across the globe.

NR201652
Director
George Scott
Stars
Carole King
Genres
Documentary