I am in complete agreement with you on all points. The critics were wrong. You would have to be dead inside not to appreciate this film. It is a true masterpiece in every respect. The music, the visuals, the story and the voices are all blended into a beautiful work of art. It's both moving and powerful. Thank you for making and posting this video.
Thank you for this. This movie is TIMELESS. I was 6 when I watched this at the drive-in with my parents and yes, I cried. And yes, I still cry whenever I hear Dear Father or watch videos from the movie. “To the real Jonathan Livingston Seagull, who lives within us all”.
You should get the new Blu-ray! I was hired to record the commentary track for it: www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Livingston-Seagull-Blu-ray-Richard/dp/B08GKY1CH3
I've been looking for this movie "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" music by Neil Diamond. I've seen this movie during my elementary days 1973. A blessed and inspired movie that entails strength, wisdom, joy and courage of knowing oneself...your inner self with God's guidance and love. Thank you so much for sharing this. ❤️🙏😊🎶🎶🎶🕊️🕊️🕊️🙂🇵🇭
I loved the movie. I was 5 when it came out and I saw it at the drive-in with my parents...and I never forgot it. It...and the book...have had a profound positive effect on my life. Thank you Jonathon Livingstone Seagull.
My 9th grade honors English teacher had us read JLS and we were lucky to watch the movie as well. There are some works which leave an indelible impression on us because they are touching and speak to our common humanity. JLS is for me one such work.
I watched this movie when I was 8 or 9 with my mom. She's still a huge Neil Diamond fan but also is a teacher of humanities and world religions. I always liked this movie a lot, having never read the book. I was mesmerized by the photography and never understood the hate this movie gets.
I am pleased to announce that "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" (1973) is finally coming to Blu-ray in October 2020, with an audio commentary track by myself. Pre-order it here! viavision.com.au/shop/jonathan-livingston-seagull-1973/
I love this soundtrack. I haven't seen it since I saw it at the theater. I think Richard Bach didn't ever want it released on video. I just listened to the soundtrack on UA-cam. Amazingly, there was footage. As a spiritual person, this speaks to my soul. Small minds criticize what they cannot understand. Great, and thoughtful video.
@@ArtfulShelley Leslie Parrish informed me that she kept in touch with Hall Bartlett for many years later about the possibility of re-editing the film so that it more closely reflected Richard's vision, but that Richard always refused. In the 1980's, Bartlett teamed up with the young producer Michael J. Lasky and they sued Paramount to regain the film's home video rights. I'm not sure that Richard never wanted the film released to home video, but I know he once made a statement stipulating his belief that the film works best with the sound turned off... which may give you an idea of what he thinks of Diamond's songs.
THANK YOU for defending this beautiful and meaningful film. also for explaining the most likely reasons behind it getting rather "shelved" over the years. Had not known about the legal battles. Regardless of that, it merits being seen by many
A story of life and living and even after-life. Fantastic music by Neil Diamond. A great and complete movie experience only for those who did not walk out after the first half hour.
Im a fan of the book and due to this video, I recently bought the movie and watched it. Yeah the critics were wrong, this movie is utterly breathtaking, emotional, and beautiful.
I was 13 years old when this movie came out. I also found the book at the school library and read it cover to cover. It tugged at my heart strings than as it still does now.
In 1972 at the age of seven,I had surgery to fix an umbilical hernia. While recovering, my mother, who didnt make it past the eighth grade and was functionally illiterate, went down to the gift shop and bought a copy of JLS. She thought it was a childrens book because of the section of photos included within its pages. I read it that morning and it indelibly etched a place in my heart and mind, and steered my reading taste towards books of a similar vein. Im forever indebted to that innocent mistake, and my mom. Ive read the book a half dozen times over the course of my life, and each time, taking into account different levels of emotional and spiritual maturity, the book's message has subtly changed. Deepened. I have never seen the movie, I think Ive always been a little afraid of disappointment, but I bought the soundtrack at an early age, and it has always been one of my favorites. Thanks for your research and for posting this. It definitely intrigues me enough to make me want to see the film, at last.
Yeah, check the film out by all means. Richard may not like the film, but then again, he doesn't like Neil Diamond's songs, either, so you have nothing to lose by going into it with an open mind.
Thank you so much for this work to give justice to what I consider a classic, inspiring well done movie with an eternal message! I have watched it several times in different stages of my life. I even purchased it to share with others. So many times in history great works are only recognized/appreciated so many years after their creation! 🙏
I am actually surprised to hear that the movie was not a box office success. I saw it when it first came out when I was 11 years old. The theater seated 1100 and it was at least more than half full. I thought it was beautiful to look at and to listen to, even though I never understood a single word of Neil Diamond's songs. Thank you for making this thoughtful video.
Thank you so much for this video. I have loved ALL things Jonathan since the 70's. Frequently reread the book; and love the soundtrack because it brings back the feelings. The movie for me was awesome. I was 26. I wish everyone would see the film, and read the book.
If I may.....I also actually find this film rather groundbreaking in that it is one of very few, "experimental" features that quite effectively shun narration in favor of a more meditative, truly cinematic experience of its scenario. The only other films I can think of that come close in accomplishing this so well are the so-called "non-verbal" films "Koyaanisqatsi" (1983) and "Baraka" (1992)....
I really loved this movie , a great classic that has to be recognized, a lot of wisdom in it and this movie reflect on what is in us and what is in our world! A gem
I'm just watching it now, I bought it about a month or so ago and had always wondered what the film was like. I actually remember seeing the advertisement on tv back in 73 and seeing the advert in the newspapers. I would have been 6 or 7 then. All through the 70s, 80s and so on, I'd wonder about what it was all about, but I'd forget, as we're prone to do. Finally, I saw it for a cheap price and dl'd it and wow! It's beautifully shot and is a stunning visual narrative, it's also a time capsule piece of early 70s filmmaking, the copy I have is so pristine looking and you get a sense of expansive land and seascapes. I'm glad I watched it finally and found your defense of this much maligned but beautiful film, to be so warranted.....cheers! Soar to greater heights, as we all can...just don't listen to the critics and negativity. Who will ever keep you on the ground.
A good friend gave me the book in '73 and I read it in one sitting. I found great meaning from the story, and then both movie and music furthered sealed my love of JLS. Beautiful! I still have the book, CD and video today! Thank you for your posting to Facebook!
Like Mystic Muse (below), I too watched JLS when it hit movie theatres back in 1973. I was 9 years old. My father was an avid ornithologist (bird watcher), and loved the film when he took us to see it. I believe it played at the Flatiron Theater in Boulder, Colorado -- but I might be wrong on that detail. The important point is that it IS a worthy film, as Adam convincingly establishes in this video. Well done, Dr. Zanzie!
I want to thank You, from the bottom of my heart. The amount of passion, knowledge, reflection and wit you put into this is outstanding. I belong to gen. Z and saw the film when I was around 12, thanks to my father. I don't know how he came to know it, since here in Italy is very difficult even to find. Probably, it's something that you can buy only in Church libraries. But he managed to get the DVD, and I was simply blown away: it was one of my artistic epiphanies and, of course, it's still one of my favorite movies ever. I agree with everything you said in the video, and I strongly support the idea that the movie's message is not a simplistic Christian, or Buddhist, or whatever religion morale. It's something that transcends religions, and speak to the deeper and wider realm of spirituality in general. In fact, even if at the time I saw the movie I had already moved away from Catholicism (differently from my father, who is a practitioner), I clearly understood the extreme sensitivity and magnificence of its themes. As for all great masterpieces, only intelligence and soul are needed to understand the messages. I find extraordinary the parallelism that you pointed out with 2001: A Space Odyssey, since it's also one of my top 3-4 favorite movies ever and I've always found the two related in some way: you were able to find out why. I want to add a simple thought about the cinematographic greatness of this masterpiece: in my opinion, Bartlett clearly challenges viewers to construct the full representation in their minds; he gives you a visual support (an incredible one), a great screenplay and music, and a concept, but - as kids do when they hear stories around the fire - he asks your mind to enrich everything with particulars and sensations, he asks you to 'find your inner spaces'.This is something extremely similar to what happens in abstract and surreal visual arts, or in avantgarde music. From this perspective, this incredible movie is even more original and brilliant. Thank you again!
What a lot of work you must have put into creating this video. Thank you! I had no idea all these issues were taking place back in the day.. I just thought that the average person was 'too ignorant to attend a movie without sex, violence, etc." Of course, that would be too easy an excuse. Everything you said was in line with my thinking. The movie was absolutely perfect. The visuals, the music...and I would see it again on a big screen, if it were re-released. As far as the movie having extra scenes....What movie, ever, has followed the book precisely. We saw it in 1973 and and the theatre was almost empty. How absurd that people couldn't grasp a few lines said by some Seagulls. It is entirely possible the movie was way before it's time. Talking animals are all over the movie industry these days. I think the now grown Flower Children would find the movie a joy...if they just sat back and let the movie come at them.... Not everything has to be analyzed and picked apart. Thank you for caring....
Agreed. I've been trying to figure out how the film can be re-released. Hall Bartlett's estate still owns some of the rights, but I haven't gotten very far in my conversations with them. Richard recently told me that he enjoyed this video essay, and that it at least captured his initial hopes for the JLS movie -- even though the movie didn't turn out the way he'd envisioned it.
One of the most special movies ever made, regardless what some filmcritics says, based on their completely ignorance on the subject and seemingly a lack of deep human wisdom.
WOW - i never knew this was adapted into a movie - just remember reading the book when I was 'young' (52 now, no idea when or how - I _think_ in my 20s, maybe earlier, certainly later...) & being so... words fail me - inspired? not really - calmed? soothed? kindof - like oh, ah, THIS makes so much *sense* between THIS book & the lovely quote “When you come to the edge of all that you know, you must believe one of two things: either there will be ground to stand on, or you will be given wings to fly.” ― O.R. Melling, The Summer King & quantum physics -
Thank You So Much for your thoughts. This is the first movie I ever saw in the theater and was completely mesmerized. I told Lee Holdridge personally at a convention in 2003 that his score is a masterpiece and I have been collecting film music ever since. The cinematography is outstanding.
Thank you for your comment! Both Lee Holdridge and cinematographer Jack Couffer were kind enough to meet with me last year when I expressed interest in shooting a documentary about this film. Unfortunately, that never happened for complicated reasons.
I love this movie since the year it first came out in our local theatre in Canada in Gibson's Landing, British Columbia on the Pacific Coast where Seagulls are an integral part of our blessed life. It also opened up my interest in Zen Budhism and remains my favourite movie to this day. :)
Age 50, I finally just visited Gibson's Landing this fall. Was moved by the Persephone display. I am a birder... gulls are fascinating birds. The whole affair is wonderful.
Well done on this. Completely agree. This is a classic more than anyone knows. It’s unfortunate the production was mired by foolishness. I still watch this and listen to the sound track.
Thank you so much for this review. I first saw this movie I was 18, now 65. This movie was the first that gave a meaning for my whole life. That my real Nature was beyond what I saw, something that I have to discover by my own. We are often defined by others, our race , religion, social group etc but the mystic of JLS is beyond that, it's sends a universal message about our real Nature We all are an endless dream. I had proven me this so many times. For 30 years I practiced massage and helped out people finding answers just by making them understand that what they needed to know was inside themselves...a universe of possibilities I was not aware of all the turmoil that went on about the movie.. Makes me sad that people didn't see the biggest picture. I agree with you, Adam, this movie should be seen by people these days Thanks again
The voices of the gulls reminded me of Homeward Bound, another movie where the animals dont talk by moving their mouths, but through thought-like monologues
In high school (1991-95) ,my English teacher loved this book, and we read it as a class for one six weeks term, and even watched the movie. I loved it. I never knew the movie was so obscure, or had such production troubles. It's been a very long time since I last saw it, but I always loved the book. I wasn't thrilled with the changes in the movie, but I enjoyed it just the same. Thanks for this overview on a neglected classic. :)
Thank you for this video. I was 15 when this came out, and if I remember, it was the first time I went alone to a movie. I had read the book, and although there were differences (there were tears when the hawk attacked poor Jonathan), I left the theater inspired. I had never heard of Neil Diamond before that movie, but to this day I love his voice because of the association with the beautiful visuals in the movie. I agree: it should be re-released. Thank you for your thoughtful commentary.
Nice job on this short. The thing I loved about the film is how the score fits beautifully with the aerial cinematography. I can’t imagine how they were able to capture all the aerial shots. Interesting thing I learned in your film was that of producer Leslie Parrish, which I remember reading somewhere become Richard Bach’s wife. One thing about the shortcomings of the film reminds me of the Zen proverb it’s like a finger pointing at the moon don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.
Leslie and Richard were married for over 20 years, but it ended in a horrible divorce, and they are pretty much no longer on speaking terms with each other. They first met each other during the making of this movie, and when Richard later sued Hall Bartlett, both men chose Leslie to be their mediator in court. But Richard and Hall could not come to an agreement over five "changes" which Richard wanted to make to the film, so, alas, the mediation failed. I love the movie myself, but it's clear to me that the wounds which it opened in the filmmakers have never really healed.
I just now came across this video, years too late. Lol. But I LOVED the book, the movie, and the soundtrack from the movie. In fact, I've still got the Neil Diamond album.
I was asked to share a 'story that impacted you'. It's Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the film. I was 9 or 10 when it showed at the Pathe Palace cinema in Mauritius where I grew up. I've never forgotten the way it made me feel. Thanks for this great reminder.
adamzanzie, thank you so much for creating and posting this very insightful video. I loved the movie, and it was, in my opinion, very much a product of the '70s ideology. Audiences today, especially those under 40, would probably not be able to appreciate it, because they have been spoiled by computer graphics.
Glad you enjoyed the video. This film didn't find a big audience in 1973, either, but it seems to appeal to a minority of fans who appreciate it for various reasons. The Blu-Ray comes out at the end of the month, I was hired to record a commentary track for it, and it would please me enormously if this further helped to introduce the film to more people of my generation. Pre-order the Blu-Ray here: viavision.com.au/shop/jonathan-livingston-seagull-1973/
I’m not a fan of JLS (book, movie, or album), but I’m a film-history obsessive and I especially like the lost, weird, misunderstood, and misbegotten stuff, so I picked up the Imprint blu ray. The movie still isn’t for me, but I loved your commentary track. The perfect combination of journalism, criticism, and memoir you get from the good commentary tracks and video essays is one of the reasons I still collect physical media. (A good example is the commentary track for Bertolucci’s La Luna - a widely ridiculed movie that I DO love - which includes an offhand anecdote about the critic seeing it with his dad in a mostly empty theater, knowing nothing about it, because Apocalypse Now was sold out, and how both of them were blown away.) I love that you didn’t edit out your emotion at the end of the JLS commentary track. I feel that way about my favorite books and movies. When I taught English lit, there were those few poems and passages I would never have tried to read out loud (“Short’s the best position they is. They is, they is, they is”) because of the danger of getting choked up in front of horrified students. It’s energizing to see someone engaging with and caring about art the way you do. Browsing your channel, it’s clear that my taste in movies is pretty different from yours (although not when it comes to David Lynch!), but I’m eager to hear what you have to say about those other movies, even (or especially) if they’re movies I’ve never liked. I didn’t even know David Lynch had a film school, by the way. What was THAT like? I used to live close to Fairfield, IA, where he’d come out and lead meditations (which I never visited, although I have read Catching the Big Fish).
Thanks for the kind remarks, glad you enjoyed my commentary track. Regarding Lynch's film school: I had mixed feelings about the overall experience (It's a long story) but it was worthwhile.
I have for years been interested in seeing this movie. So many clips on UA-cam seem grainy and disjointed but I really loved Diamond's music. Truth is, I never thought the book was that consequential. For some reason, I could never find it on Amazon 'til last week. Great film? I won't go that far. It was worth seeing. I own relatively few DVDs - this would not be in my Top 20 but, worth seeing. PS: The DVD video was very satisfying (for an early 1970s film) but, the audio disappointed as (at least, on my copy) it was seriously muted. As JLS is the only Neil Diamond recording I own, the lousy tranfer lessened my enjoyment. PS: JUST saw your review - UA-cam must have been eavesdropping.
Thank you for retrieving the value of this film-- JLS is a timeless treasure! I hope someone sends this to some educators and re-animates interest in this fabulous film. Thank you!
My mother read the book to me as a young boy, Im assuming about 7 or 8, I could have read it my self but she read it to me and I really enjoyed the book, even though I can hardly remember it, and then later on, maybe a year or so later, I guess the movie came out and my mother took me to it also. Maybe it was the first non-DISNEY movie I had seen, but while all of the details, I have forgotten, It was still with me. I buy books ( hardly read them) but have quite a collection ( mostly used and purchased inexpensively), and while my children were very young, I found a paperback copy and bought it expressly to read to my children when they got older. Recently I found a hardback copy, and decided to get that copy also, and now Its time for me to read that book to my children, and I am looking to find a dvd of the movie also, to let my children watch ( maybe I will wait a year or so after reading it to them though). Never knew of any controversy and don't really care, its a great movie, that still after all these years is still with me, even though currently its gone ( the story that is, but it will come back as I read to my kids)
To me this sound track and the sound track from Last of The Mohicans are two of the best ever. The use of Seigfreid's Funeral March in Excalibur (1981) also was a great score. Of course John Williams was huge as well.
My sister-in-law posted a FB about what movies are better than the book. I suggested, with some trepidation, "Jonathon Livingston Seagull." Then went off to see if I could find the movie on UA-cam, I found this instead. I've forgotten a lot (most?) of the movie since my single viewing in an audience of dozens besides my date and me. ("Boring audiences of dozens every night" I later read in a review.) I never did make it back for a second viewing - it might have been a private viewing. I'm pleased the things I cited about the movie are reasons you consider it a great movie - the visual and acoustic productions are amazing. The training of the seagulls and the locations they were filmed are equally amazing. I wasn't sure if there were spoken words (but I bought the CD of the soundtrack 20 years later when it came out, so at least I remember the music). I forgot about the fight scenes. Thank you for your video, and especially all the back story I had never heard before. And thank you for sharing my belief this is a forgotten gem.
The only time I ever saw this film was 9 or 10 years ago back in high school and unfortunately I was sick for one of the days in which they were screening it, this had the side effect of me not understanding anything I was watching. I eventually heard from the critics that this movie was poor and never gave it a second thought again, my default reliance on the critics seems to have failed me once again. You made me want to check it out some day. On a side note I find it amazing that for several of these projects you are going through all the lengths to get in contact with the people involved with these films, that is something I could never dream of doing given where I live. You are indeed a highly dedicated individual. I'd love to have a discussion with you on several of these topics, discussing films at length and what goes into them is something I enjoy a great deal. Then again considering the size that some of my comments can be it may be a bit overwhelming to read through several of them. Once again, amazing video, it pains me to see that the channel isn't bigger. Cheers from Chile.
Thanks a bunch. This movie is so obscure that I don't expect most audiences to love it the way that I do, but it's cool whenever anyone does. The best way to glean information from the people who made your favorite films is to meet with them for coffee somewhere in LA, but there are always other ways. If you have IMDb Pro, for instance, many of them can be reached by email.
The film came out at the wrong time. In October 1973, the U.S. was in the middle of the Watergate affair, with the resignation of Vice President Agnew, the Yom Kippur War, the start of the oil crisis, and the Vietnam War dragging on. Films that were Oscar-nominated for best picture included Last Tango in Paris, The Exorcist, and The Sting (which won), none of them exactly aspiring to higher and better things. A touching, beautifully made allegorical film was not what was playing that year.
Leslie Parrish revealed to me that she watched the Watergate hearings while this film was being edited during post-production. I'm not sure that the film's commercial failure was due to the timing, though. The Imprint Blu-ray release (which I participated in) didn't sell many copies, either. This film has always had trouble finding an audience.
Hi adamzanzie. I’m from Cuba. Jonathan Livingston Seagull is my most read and preferred book, together with Little Prince. The book, and so the movie, was never sold/seen in Cuba, although some books and copies of the movie were accessible to very few people, I was lucky I could read it late 80’s and watched the movie early 90’s, it was a low-quality VHS copy, then after I was able to have the Neil’s CD soundtrack. The book, as well as the movie, is a song for freedom, friendship, and love. I used to read it to my art students during the classes and they still remember the message. I consider the movie extremely well done, given how complicated is to work with wild animals in their enviroment. Probably some critics were influenced by their religious prejudices since Jonathan brings together concepts from eastern thoughts about life after life and reincarnation. Thanks a lot for having made this video!!!
You're welcome, and thank you for sharing these extraordinary memories! I had a feeling that the book's message about individual freedoms might have made it unpopular in Cuba and other Communist countries in the 70's and 80's. So glad that you got to access the book and the movie, and that you got to teach it to art students!
This video essay led to me getting hired to record the commentary track for the Imprint Blu-ray release of this film. Order "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" (1973) on Blu-ray here! www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Livingston-Seagull-Blu-ray-Richard/dp/B08GKY1CH3
Hi, the amazon page for this movie says: "Playback Region 0 :This will not play on most DVD players sold in the U.S., U.S. Territories, Canada, and Bermuda" I reported that as incorrect as Region 0 means it should play in any player, I'm pretty sure...
@@TheJasonMD Yeah, I don't know why Amazon puts that pointless disclaimer there. The Blu-ray is indeed region-free and it should be able to play on Blu-ray players everywhere. Obviously it can't play on a DVD player.
This is my favorite film! It tells a story about man and his place in the nature of life- also all the photography was superbly done.a very spiritual experience for me-permanently centered !
It's one of the best, most valuable movies I've seen in my life - so wonderful. Each time his message seizes me again. Thank you very much.,Thanks in the deepest thanks
Both the book and movie were magic for me. They were an important part of my spiritual journey. I sincerely wish that Bach's other top story, Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, had made it into a movie, as was discussed and attempted. But alas, that magic movie never came to be, and now, probably never will, especially since Bach is getting too old to care, and also had that tragic plane accident that almost killed him, in his ultralight. As much as I love Bach's writing, maybe he is just to picky about how his work is adapted. As to Roger Ebert trashing the movie and book, I always thought he was a self-important idiot, with poor taste. Any movie he liked, I hated, and any movie he hated, I loved, including this one. Just because they are famous critics, doesn't make them right. A nice job was done on this little piece, the Defense. So nice to see this, about an underrated movie, that should have become a cult classic. Oh, and I agree on the music, Neil Diamond and Lee Holdridge did a beautiful thing there, and I am a huge Diamond fan, anyway.
One producer after another has tried to get "Illusions" made into a movie since the 70's, but they each abandoned the project after learning a simple truth: Richard is difficult. He insists on having creative control over any film that is made of his writings, even though that's not how the film industry works. Zack Snyder owned an option on "Illusions" up until 2015; by then, Snyder had gotten involved in one DC comic book movie after another, and Richard grew concerned that an "Illusions" film would never be made in his lifetime, so Snyder had the decency to give him the rights back. Subsequent attempts were made to get the film off the ground with other producers, and famous actors starring, but the project never went anywhere because, from what I heard, Richard would not allow them to make changes to his screenplay. Finally, in 2016, Richard put all ambitions for an "Illusions" movie to rest. The last time I spoke to Richard was in 2018, when I sent this video essay to him, and to my surprise, he enjoyed it, which I believe may have helped to mend what was -- at the time -- our fractured friendship. As far as I can tell, though, Richard has now disappeared from the public eye, since his website is shut down. I will always be a big Roger Ebert fan, and Ebert himself once championed a movie review that I wrote; I just think that Ebert should not have written a review of the JLS film if he wasn't even willing to sit through all of it.
Thanks for that. It holds a very little place in my heart, but played a huge role in my teenage years, as a figure skater, it was my favourite music to skate to, both for the music and the story, and in many ways (three first parts) affected by life
So glad to have found this analysis of the movie! I LOVE the book and LOVE Neil Diamond's sound track (still sends chills down my spine every time I listen). In fact, Bach is my favorite author (have and read several times most of his books pre Ferrets - personally autographed for me by the author during a one-on-one meeting when on book tour for Running From Safety - 1994) And Diamond is my favorite singer/song writer. This movie has created for me a permanent coalescence in my mind of Bach-Diamond-Jonathan as a single being! I am one who actually did see the film in the theater and later bought a copy on VHS tape. Also spent a year communicating with Bach (and fellow fans) through Compuserve forum 1994-95.
It's always good to hear from fellow fans of this movie. Richard told me that this video essay at least captured what he had envisioned for the movie, even though the movie ultimately came out differently than what he'd imagined. Richard briefly bonded with Neil Diamond during the court case where they both had filed lawsuits against Hall Bartlett. While waiting for the judge to hear their individual cases, Richard and Diamond would pitch pennies together in the courthouse. That being said, Richard didn't care for Diamond's songs, allegedly because of the religious nature of some of the lyrics. He does think that the film is pleasing on a visual level, though.
I saw this film when it first came out. I was fifteen. I loved it. The philosophy so perfectly illustrated by the visuals and music have stayed with me all of these years. It receded in my memory until yesterday when I was reminded of it because a wild dove in our neighborhood has gone a dramatic transformation. I've been indulging in the audiobook, video, Neil Diamond's Love at the Greek which features his songs from the movie. In defense of JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL is a treat to watch. I agree with you. I hope movie buffs will give the movie a chance. Maybe the world just wasn't ready for it.
i was and still am a huge fan of Neil Diamond and when I listened to these songs and music the album has become my all time favorite. Then I got the book and Loved it. But my latest introduction to Neville Goddard's message about life and who we are;and Jonathan Livingstone Seagull book and the book have given life to imagination. Thank you to Richard Bach, Neil Diamond and Hall Bartlett ("who was born to make this movie"") I had no idea of the history of the movie and or book. However, This review is how I would describe it too - JLS voice, The Flying Scenes synchronised with the Music and beautiful voice of Neil Diamond are the best. Thank you once again
Great video you made. I loved the book and also the movie. Then it was an amazing success, the book. Imagine that search in today's materialistic and empty world... I like Neil Diamond, but his voice would not have beb my first choice... but it was good enbough. BE is a great song... Thanks!
The film is beyond impressive in its message-am glad i saw the movie-when i miss the ocean i put on the CD and I still love all pf it! The visuals and music center a person-in an otherworldly way'perfect
I first saw this movie as a kid sometime in the '70s or '80s, and again as a teenager. It resonated very deeply on a spiritual level with me. This is the first time that I'm hearing that there was a lot of negative criticism towards the movie. But I feel the movie is something that you would need to experience instead of dissecting it with the usual storytelling tropes. And what an experience it is if you open yourself up to the story! I hope that people will continue to discover and enjoy this movie for many more years to come.
For more information, get a copy of the Imprint Blu-Ray, which I did the commentary track for, and on which I speak at-length about how Richard Bach got the inspiration to write the story. I also speak about the ups and downs of my own friendship with Richard over the years.
adamzanzie, thank you for a great video. I've loved the book, the movie and the soundtrack for many, many years. I was 30 years old when the movie came out. Your video is well done and very explanatory. Thanks again.
No Doubt - JLS is a masterpiece. And never mind the average low mind critics who did not understand or merely were not prepared to accept the much different thematic and deep spirit of the poem and movie. Congrats - excellent comment.
The film is indeed a masterpiece. While I disagree with the critical lashing it received, some of the critics were genuinely good people who simply didn't connect with it. Roger Ebert was one of my heroes, but it pains me that he walked out of the film after the first 20 minutes... I believe that he should not have written an official review of it, if he couldn't even sit through the whole thing. Rex Reed told me that he was friendly with director Hall Bartlett and Bartlett's then-wife, Rhonda Fleming, and that they sometimes invited Rex over to dinner at their Bel Air mansion. Rex wrote a whole article saying he was impressed that the film got made at all; it just wasn't his cup of "birdseed". But remember: It wasn't just the critics. Richard allegedly got a court order stipulating the film could only be released in theaters with a title card saying how much he hated it. That's how ugly the mediation got between him and Bartlett. When I set about researching the making of this film, I inadvertently opened up a lot of skeletons which the cast/crew have kept locked in their closets for four decades. It was both an exhilarating and traumatic experience for me, because I made some friends *and* I lost others. That's what happens when we dig too deep into the past.
wonderful movie....I loved it from the very moment I got the chance watching it by incident some twenty or more years ago....some of them christian friends claimed it was supposedly a "channeled" movie....I guess they were just afraid to look beyond the borders...just what Jonathan teaches me....go further.not limiting oneself...not to think like all the others do....I always enjoy the fantastic soundtrack..(..what a pitty for the songsinger that he behaved as he did.)...but this voice comes perfect to them great pictures .....I could go on and on ...it`s just the first time I ever heard of someone who doesn´t only know JLS but -even better- loves it ..and takes effort in defending it. Thank you for the insights....hope this knowledge won´t spoil the whole thing when watching the DVD next time....
Thank you for this. JLS has been a driving force in my life, and I agree the film cannot be internalized as the book was, but it was wonderful just the same. The film also quieted much of the religious objection the book generated. The soundtrack, especially Sky Bird, envelopes me each time to take me to a better place.
Thank you for your post, I myself saw the movie when it was released in 1973, only 22 years old, I truly agree the movie is a masterpiece. Truly the visuals and the sound track were perfect, IMHO. I loved every bit of it.
Never did thank you for posting this " Sleeper or UnderDog " mini Documentary about Jonathan Gull !The research , knowledge and trivia you include is Fantastic . How could I help get this back to the screen . I think you under- estimate the Silent " secret admirers of this film " ! So cool to watch . I've watched it 3 times since I found it . Like I said " Good on you from all the Livingston lovers .
It would be so exciting if this film got re-released, but I get the impression that the rights to it are tangled up between Paramount and the estate of Hall Bartlett. I eventually gave up trying to talk to the estate because they seem scared of me, for whatever reason.
amen, amen, amen, Mr. Zanzie * (if the movie be an outcast to the "establishment" .... their loss. It does indeed soar on it's own merit, and will continue to do so over time, perhaps ever higher. Shiny and trendy, or strange and awkward...relative to whatever.... it does what it set out to do. And 'wins') Also...lovely video and "defense" too. Gratitude for putting this together, and putting it out. (And many great little gems within it too, like... "these seagulls had important things to say" 😂🙏) 🕊* peace ~
I read the book and saw the movie. The movie was far superior to the book. The movie visualized the words of book which I could not follow nor visualize in my mind. Yes, the visuals and music were fantastic.You have to see seagulls soar and glide among the clouds to understand the movie. Seagulls are mainly scavengers and sometimes hunters for fish, crabs and mollusks in shallow water. They fight among themselves and try to steal food from others( seagulls and people). Maybe you have to be a beach bum to like me to appreciate the movie. The movie does depict many aspects of seagulls.
I can't figure out how with 1970's tech they got the shots where the camera soars up above the star seagull spiraling up from ground to space dizzyingly. You mention tossing gulls out of helicopters, but I would have thought their noise would spook the birds away. It could have been a lot easier with a drone, but those didn't exist then, and they don't have widescreen views and high resoultion quite like this. I agree with you and wish it could be re-released.
I actually saw this in the cinema when it was re-released in the mid-80s when I was a kid. A somehow, this flick still has a special place in my memory... :)
Adam - I appreciate your enthusiasm for the movie and especially the story. While I was not a fan of the movie when I first saw it (was 11 when the book was released - don't know where I saw the movie), I appreciate PARTS of it now. (Of other parts, I am not as fond.) To me, in a karma / fateful way, it seems somewhat understandable that the movie was not as successful as the book. Such an amazing story should be left alone to bask in it's own glory - or as Diamond sings, "Be". To try to capitalize financially on such a wonderful gift seems terribly opportunitistic to me. I still refer people to JLS often - especially teens in some life coaching/mentoring work I do. I realize "to each his own", but I believe whole-heartedly in the wisdom and spirit of Jonathan. P.S. I am especially fond of the narrated version of the book by Richard Harris. Thanks for your efforts here.
Many fans of the book feel the same way about the movie as you do (Richard Bach included). That being said, Richard was always agreeable to the idea of a JLS movie, which is evidenced by the fact that he wrote the initial screenplay, and stipulated that he be given final cut privileges (which Hall Bartlett later violated). In fact, in recent years, Richard was hoping that Zack Snyder would turn "Illusions" into a movie. I don't think Hall Bartlett made the JLS movie purely for financial gain. In one interview, Bartlett said, "I’ve been through about ten years of hell, up until very, very recently, where everything went wrong. I couldn’t make a right move. The fear was on me that I would never make a picture again… then came a woman with such love to share, and then Jonathan, and suddenly everything was right.” Hall Bartlett also revealed that he thought JLS was the movie he was born to make, so I think it was a very personal project for him. I'd argue that the amazing visuals by Jim Freeman and Jack Couffer, mixed together with Diamond and Holdridge's lush music, are more than enough to justify the movie's existence. Richard used to ask me, "Adam, why do you spend so much time researching Hall Bartlett? It seems like a waste of your talents" -- but I see no need to have to choose between the book and the movie. I'm happy to have both.
Thank you for this great mini doco, I’ve often wondered about this film and the information given is exactly what I wanted to know. I find many films of the 70s early 80s need to be rediscovered so I’ll certainly watch this film, if anything, out of respect for what you’ve posted here. Thanks again :)
That's interesting... you knew him back in the 40's/50's? Richard's temperament depends entirely on what one speaks to him about. I can tell you that while he and I have not always gotten along, I've also had some of the warmest conversations with him.
This was a really fascinating and interesting video! It's honestly encouraged me to try and give the movie another watch sometime. The last time I watched it, I thought it was painfully slow and incoherent, but perhaps I went in expecting something that it really wasn't. I may give it another shot sometime.
Glad you enjoyed the video. When my plans to make a documentary unexpectedly fell through, I spent the next year and a half contemplating about other ways to share my research with the world. This video seemed like the next best way to do it. Hopefully it will help to restore the public's interest in the movie.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #1 НАЧАЛО ПУТЕШЕСТВИЯ [Новый сезон] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/380Q7gLWGvk/mqdefault.jpg)
This is one of my favorite movies! Favorite soundtracks! It is a masterpiece! Beautiful in every aspect!
I am in complete agreement with you on all points. The critics were wrong. You would have to be dead inside not to appreciate this film. It is a true masterpiece in every respect. The music, the visuals, the story and the voices are all blended into a beautiful work of art. It's both moving and powerful. Thank you for making and posting this video.
Thank you for this. This movie is TIMELESS. I was 6 when I watched this at the drive-in with my parents and yes, I cried. And yes, I still cry whenever I hear Dear Father or watch videos from the movie.
“To the real Jonathan Livingston Seagull, who lives within us all”.
You should get the new Blu-ray! I was hired to record the commentary track for it: www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Livingston-Seagull-Blu-ray-Richard/dp/B08GKY1CH3
Awesome memories to me. It was an inspiration on my teen days to go after my dreams and fly to anywhere everywhere because we all can. I AM.❤
I've been looking for this movie "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" music by Neil Diamond. I've seen this movie during my elementary days 1973. A blessed and inspired movie that entails strength, wisdom, joy and courage of knowing oneself...your inner self with God's guidance and love.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
❤️🙏😊🎶🎶🎶🕊️🕊️🕊️🙂🇵🇭
Jonathan livingstone seagull (the movie) is one of the greatest movies ever
I keep coming back to it just for the end scene. This alone is a masterpiece. Thank you for keeping this alive. The spiritual message is timeless.
This was the first movie I remember seeing as a child. I remember weeping at the end. My seven-year-old self was deeply moved.
One of my favorite as well
I was 9 years old when this came out! I remember it.
I loved the movie. I was 5 when it came out and I saw it at the drive-in with my parents...and I never forgot it. It...and the book...have had a profound positive effect on my life. Thank you Jonathon Livingstone Seagull.
Thank you! I completely agree that this film was a masterpiece in many ways.
My 9th grade honors English teacher had us read JLS and we were lucky to watch the movie as well. There are some works which leave an indelible impression on us because they are touching and speak to our common humanity. JLS is for me one such work.
I watched this movie when I was 8 or 9 with my mom. She's still a huge Neil Diamond fan but also is a teacher of humanities and world religions. I always liked this movie a lot, having never read the book. I was mesmerized by the photography and never understood the hate this movie gets.
I am pleased to announce that "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" (1973) is finally coming to Blu-ray in October 2020, with an audio commentary track by myself. Pre-order it here! viavision.com.au/shop/jonathan-livingston-seagull-1973/
I love this soundtrack. I haven't seen it since I saw it at the theater. I think Richard Bach didn't ever want it released on video. I just listened to the soundtrack on UA-cam. Amazingly, there was footage. As a spiritual person, this speaks to my soul. Small minds criticize what they cannot understand. Great, and thoughtful video.
@@ArtfulShelley Leslie Parrish informed me that she kept in touch with Hall Bartlett for many years later about the possibility of re-editing the film so that it more closely reflected Richard's vision, but that Richard always refused. In the 1980's, Bartlett teamed up with the young producer Michael J. Lasky and they sued Paramount to regain the film's home video rights. I'm not sure that Richard never wanted the film released to home video, but I know he once made a statement stipulating his belief that the film works best with the sound turned off... which may give you an idea of what he thinks of Diamond's songs.
THANK YOU for defending this beautiful and meaningful film. also for explaining the most likely reasons behind it getting rather "shelved" over the years. Had not known about the legal battles. Regardless of that, it merits being seen by many
I also love this movie, and saw it as an amazing life lesson... Loved the movie, loved the music..
Oui. C'est un film majeur. Merci.
I loved the book by Richard Bach which led me to read his other books. I love Neil Diamond AND I LOVED this movie! Thank you!
It’s one of my favourite films and I always come back to it when I need to understand something about life. Thanks for you video.
A story of life and living and even after-life. Fantastic music by Neil Diamond. A great and complete movie experience only for those who did not walk out after the first half hour.
Im a fan of the book and due to this video, I recently bought the movie and watched it. Yeah the critics were wrong, this movie is utterly breathtaking, emotional, and beautiful.
I was 13 years old when this movie came out. I also found the book at the school library and read it cover to cover. It tugged at my heart strings than as it still does now.
Pre-order the Blu-Ray here: viavision.com.au/shop/jonathan-livingston-seagull-1973/
This is the movie of my life.
It was a great book in a wonderful series. The movie is beautiful and the music was perfect.
In 1972 at the age of seven,I had surgery to fix an umbilical hernia. While recovering, my mother, who didnt make it past the eighth grade and was functionally illiterate, went down to the gift shop and bought a copy of JLS. She thought it was a childrens book because of the section of photos included within its pages. I read it that morning and it indelibly etched a place in my heart and mind, and steered my reading taste towards books of a similar vein. Im forever indebted to that innocent mistake, and my mom. Ive read the book a half dozen times over the course of my life, and each time, taking into account different levels of emotional and spiritual maturity, the book's message has subtly changed. Deepened. I have never seen the movie, I think Ive always been a little afraid of disappointment, but I bought the soundtrack at an early age, and it has always been one of my favorites. Thanks for your research and for posting this. It definitely intrigues me enough to make me want to see the film, at last.
Yeah, check the film out by all means. Richard may not like the film, but then again, he doesn't like Neil Diamond's songs, either, so you have nothing to lose by going into it with an open mind.
Thank you so much for this work to give justice to what I consider a classic, inspiring well done movie with an eternal message! I have watched it several times in different stages of my life. I even purchased it to share with others. So many times in history great works are only recognized/appreciated so many years after their creation! 🙏
I am actually surprised to hear that the movie was not a box office success. I saw it when it first came out when I was 11 years old. The theater seated 1100 and it was at least more than half full. I thought it was beautiful to look at and to listen to, even though I never understood a single word of Neil Diamond's songs. Thank you for making this thoughtful video.
Thank you so much for this video. I have loved ALL things Jonathan since the 70's. Frequently reread the book; and love the soundtrack because it brings back the feelings. The movie for me was awesome. I was 26. I wish everyone would see the film, and read the book.
If I may.....I also actually find this film rather groundbreaking in that it is one of very few, "experimental" features that quite effectively shun narration in favor of a more meditative, truly cinematic experience of its scenario.
The only other films I can think of that come close in accomplishing this so well are the so-called "non-verbal" films "Koyaanisqatsi" (1983) and "Baraka" (1992)....
I agree this is a great masterpiece of a movie
I loved the movie!!!
I really loved this movie , a great classic that has to be recognized, a lot of wisdom in it and this movie reflect on what is in us and what is in our world! A gem
@Eggy Noggy yeah, the wisdom comes from the book!
LOVED THE MOVIE!!!!! The music .......fantastic!
I'm just watching it now, I bought it about a month or so ago and had always wondered what the film was like. I actually remember seeing the advertisement on tv back in 73 and seeing the advert in the newspapers. I would have been 6 or 7 then. All through the 70s, 80s and so on, I'd wonder about what it was all about, but I'd forget, as we're prone to do. Finally, I saw it for a cheap price and dl'd it and wow! It's beautifully shot and is a stunning visual narrative, it's also a time capsule piece of early 70s filmmaking, the copy I have is so pristine looking and you get a sense of expansive land and seascapes. I'm glad I watched it finally and found your defense of this much maligned but beautiful film, to be so warranted.....cheers! Soar to greater heights, as we all can...just don't listen to the critics and negativity. Who will ever keep you on the ground.
It's coming to Blu-Ray in October ;)
@@adamzanzie I will pick up a copy! Thx...
@@athenassigil5820 The Blu-Ray is now for sale on Amazon! www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Livingston-Seagull-Blu-ray-Richard/dp/B08GKY1CH3
A good friend gave me the book in '73 and I read it in one sitting. I found great meaning from the story, and then both movie and music furthered sealed my love of JLS. Beautiful! I still have the book, CD and video today! Thank you for your posting to Facebook!
Like Mystic Muse (below), I too watched JLS when it hit movie theatres back in 1973. I was 9 years old. My father was an avid ornithologist (bird watcher), and loved the film when he took us to see it. I believe it played at the Flatiron Theater in Boulder, Colorado -- but I might be wrong on that detail. The important point is that it IS a worthy film, as Adam convincingly establishes in this video. Well done, Dr. Zanzie!
I want to thank You, from the bottom of my heart. The amount of passion, knowledge, reflection and wit you put into this is outstanding.
I belong to gen. Z and saw the film when I was around 12, thanks to my father. I don't know how he came to know it, since here in Italy is very difficult even to find. Probably, it's something that you can buy only in Church libraries. But he managed to get the DVD, and I was simply blown away: it was one of my artistic epiphanies and, of course, it's still one of my favorite movies ever.
I agree with everything you said in the video, and I strongly support the idea that the movie's message is not a simplistic Christian, or Buddhist, or whatever religion morale. It's something that transcends religions, and speak to the deeper and wider realm of spirituality in general.
In fact, even if at the time I saw the movie I had already moved away from Catholicism (differently from my father, who is a practitioner), I clearly understood the extreme sensitivity and magnificence of its themes. As for all great masterpieces, only intelligence and soul are needed to understand the messages.
I find extraordinary the parallelism that you pointed out with 2001: A Space Odyssey, since it's also one of my top 3-4 favorite movies ever and I've always found the two related in some way: you were able to find out why.
I want to add a simple thought about the cinematographic greatness of this masterpiece: in my opinion, Bartlett clearly challenges viewers to construct the full representation in their minds; he gives you a visual support (an incredible one), a great screenplay and music, and a concept, but - as kids do when they hear stories around the fire - he asks your mind to enrich everything with particulars and sensations, he asks you to 'find your inner spaces'.This is something extremely similar to what happens in abstract and surreal visual arts, or in avantgarde music. From this perspective, this incredible movie is even more original and brilliant.
Thank you again!
What a lot of work you must have put into creating this video. Thank you! I had no idea all these issues were taking place back in the day.. I just thought that the average person was 'too ignorant to attend a movie without sex, violence, etc." Of course, that would be too easy an excuse. Everything you said was in line with my thinking. The movie was absolutely perfect. The visuals, the music...and I would see it again on a big screen, if it were re-released. As far as the movie having extra scenes....What movie, ever, has followed the book precisely. We saw it in 1973 and and the theatre was almost empty. How absurd that people couldn't grasp a few lines said by some Seagulls. It is entirely possible the movie was way before it's time. Talking animals are all over the movie industry these days. I think the now grown Flower Children would find the movie a joy...if they just sat back and let the movie come at them.... Not everything has to be analyzed and picked apart. Thank you for caring....
Agreed. I've been trying to figure out how the film can be re-released. Hall Bartlett's estate still owns some of the rights, but I haven't gotten very far in my conversations with them. Richard recently told me that he enjoyed this video essay, and that it at least captured his initial hopes for the JLS movie -- even though the movie didn't turn out the way he'd envisioned it.
One of the most special movies ever made, regardless what some filmcritics says, based on their completely ignorance on the subject and seemingly a lack of deep human wisdom.
The music is still excellent
WOW - i never knew this was adapted into a movie - just remember reading the book when I was 'young' (52 now, no idea when or how - I _think_ in my 20s, maybe earlier, certainly later...) & being so... words fail me - inspired? not really - calmed? soothed? kindof - like oh, ah, THIS makes so much *sense* between THIS book & the lovely quote
“When you come to the edge of all that you know, you must believe one of two things: either there will be ground to stand on, or you will be given wings to fly.”
― O.R. Melling, The Summer King
& quantum physics -
Thank You So Much for your thoughts. This is the first movie I ever saw in the theater and was completely mesmerized. I told Lee Holdridge personally at a convention in 2003 that his score is a masterpiece and I have been collecting film music ever since. The cinematography is outstanding.
Thank you for your comment! Both Lee Holdridge and cinematographer Jack Couffer were kind enough to meet with me last year when I expressed interest in shooting a documentary about this film. Unfortunately, that never happened for complicated reasons.
I love this movie since the year it first came out in our local theatre in Canada in Gibson's Landing, British Columbia on the Pacific Coast where Seagulls are an integral part of our blessed life. It also opened up my interest in Zen Budhism and remains my favourite movie to this day. :)
Age 50, I finally just visited Gibson's Landing this fall. Was moved by the Persephone display. I am a birder... gulls are fascinating birds. The whole affair is wonderful.
I like this Movie ❤
Well done on this. Completely agree. This is a classic more than anyone knows. It’s unfortunate the production was mired by foolishness. I still watch this and listen to the sound track.
I was one of the few people who went to see this when it first came out. And I was enraptured. You either get this movie or you don't.
Thank you so much for this review. I first saw this movie I was 18, now 65. This movie was the first that gave a meaning for my whole life. That my real Nature was beyond what I saw, something that I have to discover by my own. We are often defined by others, our race , religion, social group etc but the mystic of JLS is beyond that, it's sends a universal message about our real Nature
We all are an endless dream. I had proven me this so many times. For 30 years I practiced massage and helped out people finding answers just by making them understand that what they needed to know was inside themselves...a universe of possibilities
I was not aware of all the turmoil that went on about the movie.. Makes me sad that people didn't see the biggest picture. I agree with you, Adam, this movie should be seen by people these days Thanks again
The voices of the gulls reminded me of Homeward Bound, another movie where the animals dont talk by moving their mouths, but through thought-like monologues
In high school (1991-95) ,my English teacher loved this book, and we read it as a class for one six weeks term, and even watched the movie. I loved it. I never knew the movie was so obscure, or had such production troubles. It's been a very long time since I last saw it, but I always loved the book. I wasn't thrilled with the changes in the movie, but I enjoyed it just the same. Thanks for this overview on a neglected classic. :)
Thank you for this video. I was 15 when this came out, and if I remember, it was the first time I went alone to a movie. I had read the book, and although there were differences (there were tears when the hawk attacked poor Jonathan), I left the theater inspired. I had never heard of Neil Diamond before that movie, but to this day I love his voice because of the association with the beautiful visuals in the movie. I agree: it should be re-released. Thank you for your thoughtful commentary.
You're welcome, and thank you for sharing your memories!
Nice job on this short. The thing I loved about the film is how the score fits beautifully with the aerial cinematography. I can’t imagine how they were able to capture all the aerial shots. Interesting thing I learned in your film was that of producer Leslie Parrish, which I remember reading somewhere become Richard Bach’s wife. One thing about the shortcomings of the film reminds me of the Zen proverb it’s like a finger pointing at the moon don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.
Leslie and Richard were married for over 20 years, but it ended in a horrible divorce, and they are pretty much no longer on speaking terms with each other. They first met each other during the making of this movie, and when Richard later sued Hall Bartlett, both men chose Leslie to be their mediator in court. But Richard and Hall could not come to an agreement over five "changes" which Richard wanted to make to the film, so, alas, the mediation failed. I love the movie myself, but it's clear to me that the wounds which it opened in the filmmakers have never really healed.
I just now came across this video, years too late. Lol. But I LOVED the book, the movie, and the soundtrack from the movie. In fact, I've still got the Neil Diamond album.
I was asked to share a 'story that impacted you'. It's Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the film. I was 9 or 10 when it showed at the Pathe Palace cinema in Mauritius where I grew up. I've never forgotten the way it made me feel. Thanks for this great reminder.
adamzanzie, thank you so much for creating and posting this very insightful video. I loved the movie, and it was, in my opinion, very much a product of the '70s ideology. Audiences today, especially those under 40, would probably not be able to appreciate it, because they have been spoiled by computer graphics.
Glad you enjoyed the video. This film didn't find a big audience in 1973, either, but it seems to appeal to a minority of fans who appreciate it for various reasons. The Blu-Ray comes out at the end of the month, I was hired to record a commentary track for it, and it would please me enormously if this further helped to introduce the film to more people of my generation. Pre-order the Blu-Ray here: viavision.com.au/shop/jonathan-livingston-seagull-1973/
I’m not a fan of JLS (book, movie, or album), but I’m a film-history obsessive and I especially like the lost, weird, misunderstood, and misbegotten stuff, so I picked up the Imprint blu ray.
The movie still isn’t for me, but I loved your commentary track. The perfect combination of journalism, criticism, and memoir you get from the good commentary tracks and video essays is one of the reasons I still collect physical media. (A good example is the commentary track for Bertolucci’s La Luna - a widely ridiculed movie that I DO love - which includes an offhand anecdote about the critic seeing it with his dad in a mostly empty theater, knowing nothing about it, because Apocalypse Now was sold out, and how both of them were blown away.)
I love that you didn’t edit out your emotion at the end of the JLS commentary track. I feel that way about my favorite books and movies. When I taught English lit, there were those few poems and passages I would never have tried to read out loud (“Short’s the best position they is. They is, they is, they is”) because of the danger of getting choked up in front of horrified students. It’s energizing to see someone engaging with and caring about art the way you do.
Browsing your channel, it’s clear that my taste in movies is pretty different from yours (although not when it comes to David Lynch!), but I’m eager to hear what you have to say about those other movies, even (or especially) if they’re movies I’ve never liked.
I didn’t even know David Lynch had a film school, by the way. What was THAT like? I used to live close to Fairfield, IA, where he’d come out and lead meditations (which I never visited, although I have read Catching the Big Fish).
Thanks for the kind remarks, glad you enjoyed my commentary track. Regarding Lynch's film school: I had mixed feelings about the overall experience (It's a long story) but it was worthwhile.
I have for years been interested in seeing this movie. So many clips on UA-cam seem grainy and disjointed but I really loved Diamond's music. Truth is, I never thought the book was that consequential. For some reason, I could never find it on Amazon 'til last week. Great film? I won't go that far. It was worth seeing. I own relatively few DVDs - this would not be in my Top 20 but, worth seeing. PS: The DVD video was very satisfying (for an early 1970s film) but, the audio disappointed as (at least, on my copy) it was seriously muted. As JLS is the only Neil Diamond recording I own, the lousy tranfer lessened my enjoyment. PS: JUST saw your review - UA-cam must have been eavesdropping.
Thank you for retrieving the value of this film-- JLS is a timeless treasure!
I hope someone sends this to some educators and re-animates interest in this fabulous film. Thank you!
My mother read the book to me as a young boy, Im assuming about 7 or 8, I could have read it my self but she read it to me and I really enjoyed the book, even though I can hardly remember it, and then later on, maybe a year or so later, I guess the movie came out and my mother took me to it also. Maybe it was the first non-DISNEY movie I had seen, but while all of the details, I have forgotten, It was still with me.
I buy books ( hardly read them) but have quite a collection ( mostly used and purchased inexpensively), and while my children were very young, I found a paperback copy and bought it expressly to read to my children when they got older. Recently I found a hardback copy, and decided to get that copy also, and now Its time for me to read that book to my children, and I am looking to find a dvd of the movie also, to let my children watch ( maybe I will wait a year or so after reading it to them though).
Never knew of any controversy and don't really care, its a great movie, that still after all these years is still with me, even though currently its gone ( the story that is, but it will come back as I read to my kids)
To me this sound track and the sound track from Last of The Mohicans are two of the best ever. The use of Seigfreid's Funeral March in Excalibur (1981) also was a great score. Of course John Williams was huge as well.
"Begin by knowing you have already arrived."
Thank you so much for sharing YOUR insights and thoughts!
For more info, get the Blu-Ray, for which I did the commentary:
www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Livingston-Seagull-Blu-ray-Richard/dp/B08GKY1CH3
My sister-in-law posted a FB about what movies are better than the book.
I suggested, with some trepidation, "Jonathon Livingston Seagull." Then went off to see if I could find the movie on UA-cam, I found this instead. I've forgotten a lot (most?) of the movie since my single viewing in an audience of dozens besides my date and me. ("Boring audiences of dozens every night" I later read in a review.) I never did make it back for a second viewing - it might have been a private viewing.
I'm pleased the things I cited about the movie are reasons you consider it a great movie - the visual and acoustic productions are amazing. The training of the seagulls and the locations they were filmed are equally amazing. I wasn't sure if there were spoken words (but I bought the CD of the soundtrack 20 years later when it came out, so at least I remember the music). I forgot about the fight scenes.
Thank you for your video, and especially all the back story I had never heard before. And thank you for sharing my belief this is a forgotten gem.
The only time I ever saw this film was 9 or 10 years ago back in high school and unfortunately I was sick for one of the days in which they were screening it, this had the side effect of me not understanding anything I was watching. I eventually heard from the critics that this movie was poor and never gave it a second thought again, my default reliance on the critics seems to have failed me once again. You made me want to check it out some day.
On a side note I find it amazing that for several of these projects you are going through all the lengths to get in contact with the people involved with these films, that is something I could never dream of doing given where I live. You are indeed a highly dedicated individual. I'd love to have a discussion with you on several of these topics, discussing films at length and what goes into them is something I enjoy a great deal.
Then again considering the size that some of my comments can be it may be a bit overwhelming to read through several of them.
Once again, amazing video, it pains me to see that the channel isn't bigger. Cheers from Chile.
Thanks a bunch. This movie is so obscure that I don't expect most audiences to love it the way that I do, but it's cool whenever anyone does. The best way to glean information from the people who made your favorite films is to meet with them for coffee somewhere in LA, but there are always other ways. If you have IMDb Pro, for instance, many of them can be reached by email.
The film came out at the wrong time. In October 1973, the U.S. was in the middle of the Watergate affair, with the resignation of Vice President Agnew, the Yom Kippur War, the start of the oil crisis, and the Vietnam War dragging on. Films that were Oscar-nominated for best picture included Last Tango in Paris, The Exorcist, and The Sting (which won), none of them exactly aspiring to higher and better things. A touching, beautifully made allegorical film was not what was playing that year.
Leslie Parrish revealed to me that she watched the Watergate hearings while this film was being edited during post-production. I'm not sure that the film's commercial failure was due to the timing, though. The Imprint Blu-ray release (which I participated in) didn't sell many copies, either. This film has always had trouble finding an audience.
Hi adamzanzie. I’m from Cuba. Jonathan Livingston Seagull is my most read and preferred book, together with Little Prince. The book, and so the movie, was never sold/seen in Cuba, although some books and copies of the movie were accessible to very few people, I was lucky I could read it late 80’s and watched the movie early 90’s, it was a low-quality VHS copy, then after I was able to have the Neil’s CD soundtrack. The book, as well as the movie, is a song for freedom, friendship, and love. I used to read it to my art students during the classes and they still remember the message. I consider the movie extremely well done, given how complicated is to work with wild animals in their enviroment. Probably some critics were influenced by their religious prejudices since Jonathan brings together concepts from eastern thoughts about life after life and reincarnation. Thanks a lot for having made this video!!!
You're welcome, and thank you for sharing these extraordinary memories! I had a feeling that the book's message about individual freedoms might have made it unpopular in Cuba and other Communist countries in the 70's and 80's. So glad that you got to access the book and the movie, and that you got to teach it to art students!
This video essay led to me getting hired to record the commentary track for the Imprint Blu-ray release of this film. Order "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" (1973) on Blu-ray here! www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Livingston-Seagull-Blu-ray-Richard/dp/B08GKY1CH3
Hi, the amazon page for this movie says:
"Playback Region 0 :This will not play on most DVD players sold in the U.S., U.S. Territories, Canada, and Bermuda"
I reported that as incorrect as Region 0 means it should play in any player, I'm pretty sure...
@@TheJasonMD Yeah, I don't know why Amazon puts that pointless disclaimer there. The Blu-ray is indeed region-free and it should be able to play on Blu-ray players everywhere. Obviously it can't play on a DVD player.
This is my favorite film! It tells a story about man and his place in the nature of life- also all the photography was superbly done.a very spiritual experience for me-permanently centered !
This is a wonderful story-, with a messsge for people of all ages-to center them in their life quest. Great to use a seagull as an analogy for life
It's one of the best, most valuable movies I've seen in my life - so wonderful. Each time his message seizes me again. Thank you very much.,Thanks in the deepest thanks
Both the book and movie were magic for me. They were an important part of my spiritual journey. I sincerely wish that Bach's other top story, Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, had made it into a movie, as was discussed and attempted. But alas, that magic movie never came to be, and now, probably never will, especially since Bach is getting too old to care, and also had that tragic plane accident that almost killed him, in his ultralight. As much as I love Bach's writing, maybe he is just to picky about how his work is adapted. As to Roger Ebert trashing the movie and book, I always thought he was a self-important idiot, with poor taste. Any movie he liked, I hated, and any movie he hated, I loved, including this one. Just because they are famous critics, doesn't make them right. A nice job was done on this little piece, the Defense. So nice to see this, about an underrated movie, that should have become a cult classic. Oh, and I agree on the music, Neil Diamond and Lee Holdridge did a beautiful thing there, and I am a huge Diamond fan, anyway.
One producer after another has tried to get "Illusions" made into a movie since the 70's, but they each abandoned the project after learning a simple truth: Richard is difficult. He insists on having creative control over any film that is made of his writings, even though that's not how the film industry works. Zack Snyder owned an option on "Illusions" up until 2015; by then, Snyder had gotten involved in one DC comic book movie after another, and Richard grew concerned that an "Illusions" film would never be made in his lifetime, so Snyder had the decency to give him the rights back. Subsequent attempts were made to get the film off the ground with other producers, and famous actors starring, but the project never went anywhere because, from what I heard, Richard would not allow them to make changes to his screenplay. Finally, in 2016, Richard put all ambitions for an "Illusions" movie to rest. The last time I spoke to Richard was in 2018, when I sent this video essay to him, and to my surprise, he enjoyed it, which I believe may have helped to mend what was -- at the time -- our fractured friendship. As far as I can tell, though, Richard has now disappeared from the public eye, since his website is shut down. I will always be a big Roger Ebert fan, and Ebert himself once championed a movie review that I wrote; I just think that Ebert should not have written a review of the JLS film if he wasn't even willing to sit through all of it.
Thanks for that. It holds a very little place in my heart, but played a huge role in my teenage years, as a figure skater, it was my favourite music to skate to, both for the music and the story, and in many ways (three first parts) affected by life
So glad to have found this analysis of the movie! I LOVE the book and LOVE Neil Diamond's sound track (still sends chills down my spine every time I listen). In fact, Bach is my favorite author (have and read several times most of his books pre Ferrets - personally autographed for me by the author during a one-on-one meeting when on book tour for Running From Safety - 1994) And Diamond is my favorite singer/song writer. This movie has created for me a permanent coalescence in my mind of Bach-Diamond-Jonathan as a single being!
I am one who actually did see the film in the theater and later bought a copy on VHS tape.
Also spent a year communicating with Bach (and fellow fans) through Compuserve forum 1994-95.
It's always good to hear from fellow fans of this movie. Richard told me that this video essay at least captured what he had envisioned for the movie, even though the movie ultimately came out differently than what he'd imagined. Richard briefly bonded with Neil Diamond during the court case where they both had filed lawsuits against Hall Bartlett. While waiting for the judge to hear their individual cases, Richard and Diamond would pitch pennies together in the courthouse. That being said, Richard didn't care for Diamond's songs, allegedly because of the religious nature of some of the lyrics. He does think that the film is pleasing on a visual level, though.
It was an amazing movie and awesome soundtrack. wherever you are, whoever you are: Be Jonathan.
I saw this film when it first came out. I was fifteen. I loved it. The philosophy so perfectly illustrated by the visuals and music have stayed with me all of these years. It receded in my memory until yesterday when I was reminded of it because a wild dove in our neighborhood has gone a dramatic transformation. I've been indulging in the audiobook, video, Neil Diamond's Love at the Greek which features his songs from the movie. In defense of JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL is a treat to watch. I agree with you. I hope movie buffs will give the movie a chance. Maybe the world just wasn't ready for it.
i was and still am a huge fan of Neil Diamond and when I listened to these songs and music the album has become my all time favorite. Then I got the book and Loved it. But my latest introduction to Neville Goddard's message about life and who we are;and Jonathan Livingstone Seagull book and the book have given life to imagination. Thank you to Richard Bach, Neil Diamond and Hall Bartlett ("who was born to make this movie"") I had no idea of the history of the movie and or book. However, This review is how I would describe it too - JLS voice, The Flying Scenes synchronised with the Music and beautiful voice of Neil Diamond are the best. Thank you once again
I saw the movie at the drive inn when I was young
Masterpiece !!! Words, orchestra, music, timeless, inspiring. Thanks Adam :)
Great video you made. I loved the book and also the movie. Then it was an amazing success, the book. Imagine that search in today's materialistic and empty world... I like Neil Diamond, but his voice would not have beb my first choice... but it was good enbough. BE is a great song... Thanks!
It is a masterpiece
The film is beyond impressive in its message-am glad i saw the movie-when i miss the ocean i put on the CD and I still love all pf it! The visuals and music center a person-in an otherworldly way'perfect
I first saw this movie as a kid sometime in the '70s or '80s, and again as a teenager. It resonated very deeply on a spiritual level with me. This is the first time that I'm hearing that there was a lot of negative criticism towards the movie. But I feel the movie is something that you would need to experience instead of dissecting it with the usual storytelling tropes. And what an experience it is if you open yourself up to the story! I hope that people will continue to discover and enjoy this movie for many more years to come.
For more information, get a copy of the Imprint Blu-Ray, which I did the commentary track for, and on which I speak at-length about how Richard Bach got the inspiration to write the story. I also speak about the ups and downs of my own friendship with Richard over the years.
adamzanzie, thank you for a great video. I've loved the book, the movie and the soundtrack for many, many years. I was 30 years old when the movie came out. Your video is well done and very explanatory. Thanks again.
I have the movie here it is great and great photography
I wish to see the movie again - and show it to friends too
No Doubt - JLS is a masterpiece. And never mind the average low mind critics who did not understand or merely were not prepared to accept the much different thematic and deep spirit of the poem and movie. Congrats - excellent comment.
The film is indeed a masterpiece. While I disagree with the critical lashing it received, some of the critics were genuinely good people who simply didn't connect with it. Roger Ebert was one of my heroes, but it pains me that he walked out of the film after the first 20 minutes... I believe that he should not have written an official review of it, if he couldn't even sit through the whole thing. Rex Reed told me that he was friendly with director Hall Bartlett and Bartlett's then-wife, Rhonda Fleming, and that they sometimes invited Rex over to dinner at their Bel Air mansion. Rex wrote a whole article saying he was impressed that the film got made at all; it just wasn't his cup of "birdseed". But remember: It wasn't just the critics. Richard allegedly got a court order stipulating the film could only be released in theaters with a title card saying how much he hated it. That's how ugly the mediation got between him and Bartlett. When I set about researching the making of this film, I inadvertently opened up a lot of skeletons which the cast/crew have kept locked in their closets for four decades. It was both an exhilarating and traumatic experience for me, because I made some friends *and* I lost others. That's what happens when we dig too deep into the past.
wonderful movie....I loved it from the very moment I got the chance watching it by incident some twenty or more years ago....some of them christian friends claimed it was supposedly a "channeled" movie....I guess they were just afraid to look beyond the borders...just what Jonathan teaches me....go further.not limiting oneself...not to think like all the others do....I always enjoy the fantastic soundtrack..(..what a pitty for the songsinger that he behaved as he did.)...but this voice comes perfect to them great pictures .....I could go on and on ...it`s just the first time I ever heard of someone who doesn´t only know JLS but -even better- loves it ..and takes effort in defending it.
Thank you for the insights....hope this knowledge won´t spoil the whole thing when watching the DVD next time....
I'm an atheist, as then too... was born so... ;) what does "channeled movie" mean?
Thank you for this. JLS has been a driving force in my life, and I agree the film cannot be internalized as the book was, but it was wonderful just the same. The film also quieted much of the religious objection the book generated. The soundtrack, especially Sky Bird, envelopes me each time to take me to a better place.
Thank you for your post, I myself saw the movie when it was released in 1973, only 22 years old, I truly agree the movie is a masterpiece. Truly the visuals and the sound track were perfect, IMHO. I loved every bit of it.
Never did thank you for posting this " Sleeper or UnderDog " mini Documentary about Jonathan Gull !The research , knowledge and trivia you include is Fantastic . How could I help get this back to the screen . I think you under- estimate the Silent " secret admirers of this film " ! So cool to watch . I've watched it 3 times since I found it . Like I said " Good on you from all the Livingston lovers .
It would be so exciting if this film got re-released, but I get the impression that the rights to it are tangled up between Paramount and the estate of Hall Bartlett. I eventually gave up trying to talk to the estate because they seem scared of me, for whatever reason.
amen, amen, amen, Mr. Zanzie * (if the movie be an outcast to the "establishment" .... their loss. It does indeed soar on it's own merit, and will continue to do so over time, perhaps ever higher. Shiny and trendy, or strange and awkward...relative to whatever.... it does what it set out to do. And 'wins') Also...lovely video and "defense" too. Gratitude for putting this together, and putting it out. (And many great little gems within it too, like... "these seagulls had important things to say" 😂🙏) 🕊* peace ~
"NO, this is NOT your film, MY film! MY film!"
Haha. Yeah, I've often wondered if Hall Bartlett was trying to communicate a subliminal message of some sort when he voiced that hawk...
No it's my film...ok it's yours and mine...no it's everybody's film..😇
I read the book and saw the movie. The movie was far superior to the book. The movie visualized the words of book which I could not follow nor visualize in my mind. Yes, the visuals and music were fantastic.You have to see seagulls soar and glide among the clouds to understand the movie. Seagulls are mainly scavengers and sometimes hunters for fish, crabs and mollusks in shallow water. They fight among themselves and try to steal food from others( seagulls and people). Maybe you have to be a beach bum to like me to appreciate the movie. The movie does depict many aspects of seagulls.
I can't figure out how with 1970's tech they got the shots where the camera soars up above the star seagull spiraling up from ground to space dizzyingly. You mention tossing gulls out of helicopters, but I would have thought their noise would spook the birds away. It could have been a lot easier with a drone, but those didn't exist then, and they don't have widescreen views and high resoultion quite like this. I agree with you and wish it could be re-released.
In some shots they used radio-controlled fake seagulls to do things which real seagulls couldn't be trained to do.
I actually saw this in the cinema when it was re-released in the mid-80s when I was a kid. A somehow, this flick still has a special place in my memory... :)
Adam - I appreciate your enthusiasm for the movie and especially the story. While I was not a fan of the movie when I first saw it (was 11 when the book was released - don't know where I saw the movie), I appreciate PARTS of it now. (Of other parts, I am not as fond.)
To me, in a karma / fateful way, it seems somewhat understandable that the movie was not as successful as the book. Such an amazing story should be left alone to bask in it's own glory - or as Diamond sings, "Be". To try to capitalize financially on such a wonderful gift seems terribly opportunitistic to me.
I still refer people to JLS often - especially teens in some life coaching/mentoring work I do. I realize "to each his own", but I believe whole-heartedly in the wisdom and spirit of Jonathan.
P.S. I am especially fond of the narrated version of the book by Richard Harris.
Thanks for your efforts here.
Many fans of the book feel the same way about the movie as you do (Richard Bach included). That being said, Richard was always agreeable to the idea of a JLS movie, which is evidenced by the fact that he wrote the initial screenplay, and stipulated that he be given final cut privileges (which Hall Bartlett later violated). In fact, in recent years, Richard was hoping that Zack Snyder would turn "Illusions" into a movie. I don't think Hall Bartlett made the JLS movie purely for financial gain. In one interview, Bartlett said, "I’ve been through about ten years of hell, up until very, very recently, where everything went wrong. I couldn’t make a right move. The fear was on me that I would never make a picture again… then came a woman with such love to share, and then Jonathan, and suddenly everything was right.” Hall Bartlett also revealed that he thought JLS was the movie he was born to make, so I think it was a very personal project for him. I'd argue that the amazing visuals by Jim Freeman and Jack Couffer, mixed together with Diamond and Holdridge's lush music, are more than enough to justify the movie's existence. Richard used to ask me, "Adam, why do you spend so much time researching Hall Bartlett? It seems like a waste of your talents" -- but I see no need to have to choose between the book and the movie. I'm happy to have both.
beautiful
Thank you for this great mini doco, I’ve often wondered about this film and the information given is exactly what I wanted to know. I find many films of the 70s early 80s need to be rediscovered so I’ll certainly watch this film, if anything, out of respect for what you’ve posted here. Thanks again :)
I would be interested to know what other movies of the 70s and 80s you would like to see rediscovered
You are correct, a masterpiece. I grew up just down the street from Richard Bach, He was a reclusive, not so nice guy,
That's interesting... you knew him back in the 40's/50's? Richard's temperament depends entirely on what one speaks to him about. I can tell you that while he and I have not always gotten along, I've also had some of the warmest conversations with him.
This was a really fascinating and interesting video! It's honestly encouraged me to try and give the movie another watch sometime. The last time I watched it, I thought it was painfully slow and incoherent, but perhaps I went in expecting something that it really wasn't. I may give it another shot sometime.
Glad you enjoyed the video. When my plans to make a documentary unexpectedly fell through, I spent the next year and a half contemplating about other ways to share my research with the world. This video seemed like the next best way to do it. Hopefully it will help to restore the public's interest in the movie.