Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something

Released in 2020, the film "Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something" is a brilliant, intimately crafted documentary directed by Rick Korn. The movie explores the life, creativity, passion, and mission of the late Grammy Award-winning folk singer, Harry Chapin. Known for his compelling narrative-based songs and for his charitable activism, Chapin was an artist, a dreamer, and most importantly, a humanitarian who took his music beyond the concert stage to combat world hunger. His most profound legacy is encapsulated in this insightful film.

This engaging documentary offers an exploration into the life of Chapin using a treasure trove of archived footage and a lineup of candid interviews with the people who knew him best. Framed against a backdrop of his lyrical songwriting and charismatic performances, the film presents an in-depth portrait of Harry Chapin that focuses not only on his music but also on his passionate crusade against world hunger.

The movie begins by tracing the particularities of Chapin's distinct childhood, a seminal time that would lay the foundation for his interest in music and storytelling. His experience as a member of a creative family, passionate about music and arts, lay the groundwork for his meteoric rise to fame.

His career as a musician blossomed and gained national recognition with timeless songs that were narrative-driven, with catchy tunes that connected with the listeners in profound ways. Songs like "Cat's in the Cradle" and "Taxi," which narrate the ordinary in extraordinary ways, are just examples of his genius and talent. His propensity to use music to connect tales of humanity with listeners remains one of his most striking features, and the film emphasizes how Chapin's storytelling style made his music more approachable and impactful.

However, what makes this film standout is the ambitious focus to bring overlooked aspects of Chapin's public image into the spotlight. It encompasses the artist's philanthropic endeavors and humanitarian spirit, around which the title of the film is based- a mantra that Chapin lived by, "When in doubt, do something." Essentially, this film underscores his drive to fight world hunger and his immense contribution to it.

Through interviews with family, friends, colleagues, and contemporaries like Billy Joel, Pete Seeger, and Bruce Springsteen, Korn paints a vibrant picture of Harry Chapin not just as a gifted musician, but also as a dedicated humanitarian. The film details his relentless advocacy for the less fortunate, his co-founding of the non-profit organization "WhyHunger," and his successful campaign to establish the Presidential Commission on World Hunger during Jimmy Carter's administration.

Viewers get to see Chapin as a tireless activist, who despite the cost of his career and the critiques he faced, continued to use his platform for causes that mattered and relentlessly lobby the powers that be to do more about world hunger. His immense sacrifice and dedication towards his devout mission are beautifully encapsulated in the celluloid.

The movie also underscores the importance of Chapin's personal life and the influence it had on his music and his mission. His relationship with his wife, Sandy Chapin, forms a significant part of the narrative. It provides emotional resonance to the film, drawing a clear picture of the role she played in his career, his inspiration as an artist, and his passion as a charity campaigner.

Throughout the film, Korn never shies away from presenting the unfiltered truth of Harry Chapin’s persona. The movie establishes Chapin not just as an artist, letting his humanitarian deeds speak louder than his songs. It's chilling and timeless visuals, along with precise narrative elements, make this movie an intimate portrait that does justice to the complexity of Chapin's legend.

“Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something” is, in essence, a tribute to a man who dared to believe and act on the idea that music could be a tool for change. It's a powerful exploration of his profound influence in both the world of music and charity and a testimony to the enduring power of one man’s passion. The film is a must-watch for Chapin’s admirers and new fans alike, those curious about music history, and anyone looking for inspiration about how one person’s unwavering commitment can bring about real change in the world.