Film: 'Heartworn Highways' (1981)

I've never much cared for country music. There's always an exception though; in this case that's a handful of artists who belonged to the Outlaw Country movement of the 1960s and 70s, particularly Guy Clark, Larry Jon Wilson, and the immortal Townes Van Zandt. Their anachronistic style, harking back to the days before Chet Atkins' slickly modern 'Nashville Sound', was firmly rooted in the honky-tonk and folk music tradition of authenticity - these musicians usually managed to sound like they were thinking of something other than money while they sang. It's good stuff. This lovely little documentary shows a motley assortment of performances, interviews, and recording studio sessions by quite a few country greats (including Guy, Larry Jon, Townes, Charlie Daniels, and a very young Steve Earle). I'd say it's a must-watch even if you think you don't like country music; you just might change your mind. I know I did. Definitely watch the extras.

Highlight: Guy Clark repairing Billy Callery's guitar (seriously - it's mesmerizing). Oh, yeah, and the soundtrack is rather good.

Film poster featuring Townes & Uncle Seymour Washington