Paul Williams Still Alive
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    Jun 7, 2012
    88
    Williams, who was elected president of ASCAP in 2009, speaks frankly and eloquently about his problems dealing with fame, and his recovery. And more important, he earns our thanks by resolutely refusing to let Kessler turn this into a clichéd documentary.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    Jun 21, 2012
    83
    The movie is fascinating, though it smacks its own lips a bit too much at the tackiness of freak '70s stardom.

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Lyn
    7
    Sometimes a documentary's narrator takes a vital or heart-rending role that helps explore the subject. ("My Architect," for example.) But this is not one of those times. Stephen Kessler continually inserts himself in ways that actually detract from his subject. Wish he would have spend less time navel-gazing and more time framing questions Paul Williams's fans would love to see answered! However, I was deeply affected by PW's work as Kessler sincerely was and am glad he made the film. He did provide an update on Williams and capture him as the lovable, sensitive, down-to-earth guy we always felt he was.… Full Review »
  2. FredSmith
    9
    I was recently reminded that a person dies three deaths: 1) their corporeal death, 2) when everyone who ever knew you has also died and 3) when your name is spoken for the last time, ever. I'm in favor of forestalling the latter as long as possible by making sure we learn from as much as we can about those who directly and indirectly had a significant influence on our culture. Those who made their mark in the arts are especially vulnerable to being forgotten early due to our capricious tastes.

    (You know, I'm surprised to see no one had reviewed this yet. Hmmm....)

    The documentary succeeds because of the subject, Paul Williams. If you like music, I highly recommend you see this. This way, when one of your contemporary music idols mentions how one of Paul Williams songs influenced them or, indirectly, through one of their own influences, you'll know what of they speak.

    Surprisingly entertaining. (Well, not that surprising seeing as I'd checked out Metacritic before renting it!)

    Regardless, Paul Williams is one who, despite a great body of work, I'd expected to be relatively uninteresting in this day and age. Fortunately, I went with the reviews and am pleased I did.

    Enjoy!    … Full Review »