DVD: Warren Zevon - (Inside) Out
Artemis Records
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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The Excitable Boy's last will and testament, (Inside) and Out chronicles Warren Zevon's desperate attempt to record his swan song before time literally runs out. Given a sobering three months to live, Zevon naturally decides to go into the studio. As word gets out about the project, old friends Ry Cooder, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Dwight Yoakam and even Billy Bob Thornton (who is everywhere these days) filter in to lend a hand. Bruce Springsteen drops by, lays down a wicked guitar solo (who knew?) and tells a great story of a gravity hill in his neighbourhood where cars roll up not down. There's a genuine connection there, and offers some of the best bits in the film. Zevon, a smart ass whose written endlessly about death, enters the project with a real songwriter's vigour. In candid chats, Zevon discusses the process, often standing outside the studio, enjoying a smoke. There's an admirable resolve to Zevon's outlook which seldom slips into the poor poor pitiful me category, only showing frustration when the cancer threatens the completion of the recording. A riveting journey that puts reality TV to shame. Among the bonus material - more interview bits and videos spliced from the film - there's some great vintage 16mm footage of a very young Zevon strumming his guitar and singing in an open field. No matching audio, just beautiful shades of decomposing film.

© 2004 - John Sekerka