In Song Sung Blue, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together. Source: Australian Catholics.
This film is a treat for Neil Diamond fans. It incorporates substantial renditions of many of his songs – and everyone wanting to hear and join in Sweet Caroline! But the songs here are not sung by Neil Diamond. Rather, this is the story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a husband-and-wife entertainment duo, “Lightning and Thunder”.
Mike, a Vietnam veteran with 20 years of sobriety under his belt, sings Diamond songs in clubs. He encounters Claire, a Patsy Cline impersonator. They click, marry, bond with the children of their previous marriages, form something of a family, performing locally over many years and become celebrities with a devoted following.
This is a showbiz story but it is also a suburban story. The pair have a busy house that audiences would recognise, financial struggles, dealing with their children, a pregnancy and a tragic accident. It is not just a bright lights story.
This dramatisation is based on a 2008 documentary of the same title, incorporating several small details from Mike and Claire’s lives.
There is a great deal of feeling, sadness and joy, in Song Sung Blue.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media
Song Sung Blue: Starring Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson. Directed by Craig Brewer. 132 minutes. Rated M (Mature themes, coarse language and sexual references).
FULL REVIEW
Song Sung Blue (Australian Catholics)
