The Gospel According to Al Green

Director: Robert Mugge

Institute History

  • 1985 Sundance Film Festival

Description

The deep roots of soul music in the black church have rarely been more dramatically demonstrated than in this documentary on Al Green, one of secular soul’s most compelling performers who is now a Pentecostal minister and gospel-only singer. The film’s finale, during which Green delivers a passionate sweat-drenched sermon at his Memphis church, illustrates the close ties between black secular and gospel music styles with riveting intensity.

This portrait of soul singer Al Green, who according to many rock critics was the smoothest and sexiest soul wailer of the 1970’s, even surpassing the likes of Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding, is as powerful as the power of its subject. And that is absolutely awesome-like James Brown times ten.

This is an amazing movie, packed with astonishing music, plus a fine exploration on the psychology of pop ambition. It literally reaches ecstatic heights. You may never see a more powerful vocal and inspirational spectacle. count your blessings and clap your hands.

Screening Details

Credits

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