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Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune
2010
It seems oddly appropriate to paraphrase a folk song by Pete Seeger in a review of the documentary film, “Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune” and yet one has to wonder “Where Have All the Troubadours Gone?”
Ochs was a passionate singer/songwriter during the 60’s and 70’s, actively involved in the Civil Rights movement, labor injustices, and the Viet Nam war protests. Not as well known as Seeger and Ochs contemporary, Bob Dylan, the film introduces the man and his music through interviews and performances. Today’s comedians garner material from the headlines, but Ochs’ messages carry far more weight and are still as powerful more than forty years later with such lyrics as “I’m Not Marching Anymore”, “Love Me, I’m a Liberal”, and “There But for Fortune.”
In addition to many video and film clips, writer/director Kenneth Bowser included dozens of still photographs and interviewed many performers and friends who knew Phil well including his brother and sister. Weighing in on Ochs devotion to peace and justice are folk singing legend Pete Seeger, politician and activist Tom Hayden, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, and dozens of others.
Later in his career, Ochs knew his dream of being famous as a performer would not be realized. But, he never turned down a benefit to sing for a cause and never “sold out” or went “mainstream” with his lyrics. Alcohol became a problem late in his career and he lost his battle with depression at age thirty-five.
“Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune” serves as a reminder that artists can and do serve as historians as well as entertainers. According to Bob Dylan’s 1962 song, “The Times They Are A-Changin’”. Alas, the likes of an artist with the passion of Phil Ochs is hard to come by in 2011.
Rebecca Redshaw is an author and playwright who worked for 25 years in the film industry in Los Angeles. Copies of her book, SOFA CINEMA: An Easy Guide to DVDs may be purchased at Amazon.com or by going to her website @ www.rebeccaredshaw.com.
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