Working Class Boy (2018) Reviews

• A Must See

  simmy112018-10-11

  Growing up with such an Aussie icon blasting through the radio to peeling back the layers of what and who made him JIMMY BARNES. Absolutely loved it and recommend it to all❗

• A gripping story well told

  lc_19962018-08-25

  This documentary centres on a live show in Jimmy Barnes's hometown of Glasgow with additional interviews and archival images. It's filmed in a simple way but any embellishments would've run the risk of distracting from the core message Jimmy brilliantly conveys through words and music alone. It came across not as film to stroke the ego of the director nor to appease hardcore fans of Cold Chisel, but as an honest account of a human life, which is exactly what it needed to be. Jimmy didn't shy aware from sharing the darkest moments of his life but managed to convey them with an overall purpose of advancing a dialogue about deep societal issues. I admire his bravery in sharing his story and his skill in presenting it not as a 'sob story', but as a holistic account of struggle. Indeed, the trauma is balanced by quite a lot of humour and live music is beautifully integrated throughout. I hope this documentary will encourage frank conversations about how we can break the cycle of poverty, addiction, and violence. This documentary had my attention the whole time and now I desperately want to read the book.

• The true background story - not pretty, but totally the real deal

  manders_steve2018-09-02

  This is a fine documentary style film that tells Jimmy Barnes' background life story. It does it really well, using recent footage shot with all the people involved that are around to tell their versions. It is interspliced with historic footage, including amateur home video, promotional material and professional TV and film sections. There's a lot from Glasgow, and I reckon we Aussies should be really thankful that Jimmy and family made the journey - not only that we have his substantial contribution to our lives, but they must have had better opportunities and weather here too. There is a fair bit of music, mostly light folk soul rock style. If you're after serious Barnes rock'n'roll, you'll be disappointed. If you are a Cold Chisel fan hoping for lots of head splittingly loud rock, don't bother. I found it readily engaging, and probably easier going than Jimmy's book of the same title which I enjoyed reading, but which took a bit more effort. I'd say the film got the level of detail I was interested in right: the book, while well written and edited, I found a bit long on detail I didn't quite need.

• Barnsey Bares it All

  Donatien32018-10-20

  Jimmy Barnes' autobiography "Working Class Boy" was a candid change from the usual 'sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll' clichés. The beloved Australian rock and soul legend bravely wrote about his harrowing childhood: his violent and turbulent formative years in Glasgow (as James Dixon Swan); the move to South Australia, which was meant to bring hope of a fresh start, but continued the cycle of domestic violence, alcohol abuse and poverty with an abusive, drunk father, frustrated mother, scared kids and instability; his new father Reg Barnes rescuing Jimmy and his family; his wild teenage years (gang violence, drinking, chasing girls and playing music) and finally meeting Ian Moss and Don Walker and joining Cold Chisel. This documentary expands on the book, with emotional interviews with Barnes, his family (his sister, his wife Jane Barnes and son David Campbell), childhood friend Bill Brouwers and Moss and Walker. Barnes literately goes the extra mile by visiting the houses in Glasgow and Elizabeth where he used to grow up. He doesn't hide how horrifying it was, so he should be commended for bravely opening old wounds. It's a much better choice than another awful 'made for commercial TV' biopic with some has-been soap opera actor trying to imitate Barnsey. Breaking up the interviews is footage from his Working Class Boy tour and soundstage recordings. The intimate setting is perfect for Barnes and the emotion of some of the songs, including: "Heartaches by the Number" (a favourite song of his grandmother's), "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (with daughter Mahalia), "The Upper Room" (from Mahalia Jackson - Jimmy tells a story of watching "The Imitation of Life" as a child and was captivated by Jackson's voice; that began the powerful hold of music), "Dark End of the Street", "Reflections of My Life" (with Campbell), "Flame Trees" (a stripped-down version with Moss and Walker), "When the War is Over" and "Still Got a Long Way to Go" (with family friend Mark 'Diesel' Lizotte). Despite all the suffering, the documentary ends optimistically, with Barnes crediting his upbringing and all his mistakes for making him the happy family man he is today. The next question: will there be a follow up documentary for the book's sequel "Working Class Man"?

• Honest and insightful, a must-watch for Barnes fans

  eddie_baggins2019-04-10

  His something of a national treasure here in Australia, a beloved public figure that made his mark in legendary local rock band Cold Chisel and then forged a highly successful solo career, but even for non-fans like me (how un-Australian of me), Working Class Boy is an affecting and insightful documentary about the colourful character of Jimmy Barnes that acts as both an intimate insight into his life and a showcase for the songs that have created the backbone of his career. Based around the stage/music show of the same name and the best-selling novel, Working Class Boy is a warts and all documentary that strips back the curtains on the events that shaped Barnes into the man he is today, who despite entering into his later years as a performer, shows no signs of slowing down. An immigrant from the slums of Glasgow in Scotland, who grew up in an abusive relationship and an even more dangerous and volatile environment once he moved to Australia, Barnes's life may not be that far removed from many others around that timeframe but it still takes nothing away from the fact Barnes has overcome more than his fair share of heartache and trauma to create a brilliant and important career in the Australian show business. In more ways than one its quite a confronting documentary as Barnes recalls some horrific incidents of his youth, while hearing him talk openly about his drug abuse and alcoholism will be tough for some to bare but it's all part of the parcel for such an intriguing figure. In Mark Joffe's documentary Barnes makes for a fascinating and warm-hearted presence, as he openly and honestly talks about his past, present and future and it's a credit to the renowned figure that he is unafraid to tell it how it is, there's no signs of sugar-coating here, and as Barnes openly talks about such aspects of his life as addiction and his troubled family life, it's hard not to be moved and inspired by how he used those elements of his life to craft his material and live a better life. The other hugely beneficial component to Working Class Boy is how Mark Joffe's captures the engaging nature of Barnes the performer and as we are given access to his intimate stage shows it's easy to understand why so many, both far and wide, have followed Barnes on his journey for so many years. An entertaining story-teller and a commanding presence on stage when singing, sitting back and watching Barnes on stage is like watching a master at work and while his musical musings might not be for everyone, his heartfelt and passionate delivery is hard to ignore. Final Say - A must watch for any die-hard Barnes fans, Working Class Boy is a thoroughly entertaining Australian documentary that acts as a great showcase for the life and times of one of our all-time great entertainers, even if its raw and honest nature may catch some off guard. 3 ½ escaped circus lions out of 5