Love Shines

I recently saw Daniel Lanois' film "Here Is What Is." In it, there is a quiet scene; an exchange between Lanois and Brian Eno in which Lanois asks Eno where art/music comes from. Eno explains that, while most people would think that a composer like Mozart merely sat down and wrote his symphonies in one go, the creative process is more of a piecing together of elements over time, a slow build if you will; it's rare that those elements simply fall together at the start of the process. Eno's words are inspiring to anyone yearning to tap into their inner artist and gain the confidence to "build" their creative works.

Love Shines provides a peek behind the artistic process. The film illuminates the unlikely pairing of legendary music producer Bob Rock and balladeer Ron Sexsmith as they record Ron's latest album. Throughout the movie, Ron lays bare his feelings and frustrations surrounding his often elusive success, bringing us a genuine sense of his humanity. Shot over the period of 8 or 9 years, the film ultimately must be described as a feel-good piece, as underdog Sexsmith gains the audience's hearts and support as we witness his own slow build. It should be noted that the score, most of which features the songs from his latest album, doesn't disappoint either.

Nice work.

A combination of excellent photography, wonderful music and an unlikely star in the form of Ron Sexsmith makes Love Shines compelling cinema.

Telling the story of Ron Sexsmith's battle for mainstream success despite a considerable reputation as a singer/songwriter in his native Canada (winner of the 2005 Juno songwriting award), it's a remarkably frank insight into one man's struggle with identity and self-respect. Sexsmith is painfully honest about his self-doubts and it's only the testimony of the likes of Elvis Costello and Leslie Feist that makes clear just how highly rated he is by his fellow artists.

An uplifting and inspiring movie that never drags.