On a tune of blues: Diamond lovers (review)
The tragic life of a couple specializing in Neil Diamond covers, told in an endearing film, a sort of B-side to standardized musical biopics.
From this slightly tart VF title, we sense the difficulty in “selling” such a film in France. A musical romance dedicated to a couple of Wisconsin artists known for their Neil Diamond covers? In the United States, where the saw “Sweet Caroline” is sung at the top of the voice at every second family party, it may be easy, but in our country, where Diamond’s beautiful baritone voice has never aroused great passions, it is more complicated. Not a big deal though: you can enter this film letting yourself be carried away by the contagious energy of a classic Hugh Jackman, in Greatest Showman mode. The actor plays a galley singer who, after falling in love with a country musician (Kate Hudson), will launch a tribute band dedicated to Diamond, Lightning & Thunder, which will become cult, to the point of opening for the grunge juggernaut Pearl Jam.
Artists in love will also experience many misfortunes, which one would not believe without the mention “inspired by a true story”. Directed by Craig Brewer (Black Snake Moan, Dolemite is my name), the film tells very well, under its somewhat marshmallowy coating, how pop music not only punctuates our lives, but can also save them, by making them bearable in the darkest moments. Neil Diamond is sometimes caricatured as a somewhat nerdy ladies’ crooner. Wrongly: his discography is full of gems that make the hairs on your arms stand up and your heart beat faster. In its best moments, On an Air of Blues has exactly the same effect.
Frédéric Foubert
By Craig Brewer. With Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli… Duration 2h13. Released December 31, 2025
