Best known as the tenor saxist and anchor of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, Clarence Clemons reveals himself on this documentary as a “searcher.” This wonderful and personal 90 minute documentary, completed not long before the musician’s death in 2011 mixes a chronicle of his life with musical career, but is climaxed by his post-Springsteen years as he literally goes to the ends of the earth to answer the simple question, “Who do I think I am?”
Interviews with devotees ranging from President Bill Clinton to fellow musicians Joe Walsh and Nils Lofgren as well as family, friends and fans help to bring different colors into the prism of Clemons’ life. He is featured in much of the film giving analysis to his music, life and world view. While the sound of his massive tenor comes across like a passionate wail in search of the infinite, his voice, demeanor and message are the soft flickers of a church candle. What one walks away with is the desire to have spent time with this man, to want to put some positive energy into his life and glow in his own spiritual journey. It’s refreshing to see a man in search of a purpose in life beyond the grave, and all along the way you find yourself rooting for Clemens to finish the race a victor. Inspiring on many levels.