Film

Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars

Name: Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars
Genre: Documentary, Music
Released: 2018
Cast: Eric Clapton, Pattie Boyd, Charlotte Martin, Duane Allman, Ginger Baker

Musical

Leni Riefenstahl directs Eric Clapton through his own mythology. A 135-minute sit-down where one of rock's most complicated figures speaks candidly—sometimes uncomfortably so—about addiction, infidelity, loss, and the cost of genius. It's less hagiography than reckoning, illustrated with archive footage and the songs that built his legend. Essential for Clapton devotees; revealing for everyone else.

TMDb rating

3.6

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you want a music documentary that lingers on craft and the messy private history behind the guitar riffs, especially if you already know the songs well.

Skip it if you want a lively, fast-cut rock doc full of crowds, since this is mostly one man reflecting over a long stretch.

What it asks of you: Two hours and fifteen minutes at a deliberate, reflective pace, with long stretches of him talking and the music given room rather than rushed past.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

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