Film Review: Though Her Voice has Aged, Joan Baez Remains a Vocal Force with Stories to Share in Latest Documentary

Once described by Bob Dylan as possessing a “breathtaking soprano,” Joan Baez had the power to make listeners believe in the possibility of triumph when she sang the iconic protest anthem, “We Shall Overcome.”

Renowned as a folk artist and activist, Baez’s contributions extend beyond the realm of civil rights. The deeply reflective and comprehensive documentary “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise,” directed by Maeve O’Boyle, Miri Navasky, and Karen O’Connor, unveils how Baez sought to conquer personal challenges ranging from anxiety and depression to solitude, as well as confronting unsettling repressed memories about her father.

Originally slated to focus merely on Baez’s final 2018 “Fare Thee Well” tour, the scope of the film expanded at Baez’s behest to serve as a more complete testament to her life. It incorporates an impressive array of archival content, including photographs, home videos, audio clips, letters, artwork, and even recordings of therapeutic sessions that Baez herself unearthed from a storage facility meticulously arranged by her late mother.

The film opens with a poignant quote from novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez, stating that everyone has three lives: public, private, and secret. This serves as an apt lens through which to view Baez, who burst onto the scene in 1959 as an 18-year-old prodigy and has since released approximately 40 albums. Despite her seemingly open public persona, her own anguished sketches and correspondence reveal a complex inner life fraught with hidden challenges and secrets.

Her relationship with Bob Dylan, her contemporary and a puzzling genius who both enchanted and devastated her, is touched upon. Baez’s narrative recounts the highs and lows of their relationship, culminating in a painful UK tour that marked the end of their romantic partnership.

The documentary also dives into Baez’s early years, portraying her preparation for the farewell tour while living in Northern California. Though aging, she remains remarkably unchanged in appearance. Her voice has matured, losing some of its earlier range but none of its emotive power.

Interspersed with scenes from her concerts, the film features flashbacks to her youth, including footage that reveals her early experiences of racial discrimination and psychological distress. Despite her rapid ascent to stardom, beginning with her breakout performance at the Newport Folk Festival, her self-esteem appeared fragile.

Later, the documentary delves into Baez’s advocacy against the Vietnam War, her short-lived marriage to activist David Harris, and their son Gabriel’s involvement in her final tour. It also confronts a difficult chapter involving her reliance on Quaaludes and subsequent questionable decisions.

The film concludes on a somber note, addressing allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct by her father towards Joan and her sister, Mimi. These claims, refuted by her parents who have both passed away, cast a dark shadow over her family history. However, it does close with scenes from Baez’s final concert at New York’s Beacon Theater, followed by footage of her dancing alone in a field—perhaps a nod to her childhood but also a statement that, while she may not have triumphed over every obstacle, she has nonetheless overcome a great deal.

“Joan Baez: I Am a Noise,” distributed by Magnolia Pictures, remains unrated by the Motion Picture Association. With a runtime of 113 minutes, the film earns a rating of three out of four stars.

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More about Joan Baez Documentary Review

• Joan Baez Official Website
• “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise” on IMDb
• Bob Dylan’s Relationship with Joan Baez
• Newport Folk Festival History
• Motion Picture Association Ratings System
• Magnolia Pictures Official Site