The film is written and directed by Craig Brewer and stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. While it is not a biopic about Diamond, his songs play a major role in telling the true story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a Wisconsin couple who met later in life, fell in love, and formed a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder.
The couple’s success was boosted by Eddie Vedder, who invited them to perform with his band. In the movie, they are shown opening for Pearl Jam in Madison. In real life, they joined the band onstage during an encore at Milwaukee’s Summerfest in 1995.
This isn’t the first time Diamond has supported the Sardinas’ story. Back in 2008, filmmaker Greg Kohs made a documentary about them, also titled Song Sung Blue. Just before its festival debut, Diamond’s record label sent a cease-and-desist letter saying the film could not use the music. Vedder stepped in, contacted Diamond directly, and urged him to watch the documentary. After seeing it, Diamond was so moved that he told his publishing company to back off and allow the film to be shown with the songs.
Brewer wondered how Diamond would react to the new movie. He was warned ahead of time that Diamond is not someone who openly gushes over films. Still, what happened surprised everyone.
According to Brewer, Diamond watched the movie closely and became visibly engaged. He tapped his foot during the music, applauded after each musical number, and even cried. After the screening, Diamond reportedly asked when the film would be shown again and wanted to watch it a second time.
Brewer said the reaction meant a great deal to him. He hopes the film reminds Diamond of how meaningful his songwriting is. While Diamond is widely known as a performer, Brewer emphasized that he is also a powerful writer who created songs that came from deep personal feeling.
Song Sung Blue is now playing in theaters.
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