Song Sung Blue - Flicks (2025)

I just want to entertain people. >> I don't want to be a hairdresser. I want to sing. I want to dance. I want to garden. I want a cat. >> I need something big. I need something new. >> What do you think? >> You don't want to be a Neil Diamond impersonator. You want to be a Neil Diamond interpreter. >> I was looking for the right way to say it and you just came right out and said it. >> Song Sung Blue is based on a true story directed by Craig Brewer. It's the story of Lightning and Thunder, a tribute band for Neil Diamond, stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Kate's in the second part. For Hugh and Jim Belalushi, I noted they weren't doing impressionists. >> When I spoke to Craig Brewer, the writer director, he said, "Don't let's watch the documentary. Let's grab the spirit of it because that story is incredible. These characters are incredible, but don't be a slave to his voice or the look or" and I questioned that. Should we? And in the end, he was like, "No." And so it was that idea of getting the essence of somebody. >> As a young actor at Second City, you know, we used to do impressions there. The director told us to wear impressions or characters like a straw hat. >> Straw hat. >> Yeah. Just lightly. >> Oh. >> Because that way you can still see who you are coming through as an actor, as a person. Yeah. Always an impression of essence is much better than >> the technical mimicking. I think >> music in this case is another character, isn't it? >> The power of music, that feeling of music, how like if you think of Claire's and my first rehearsal, which is like a date, you they fall in love before they've kissed because they sing together and they blend together and Craig has a way of making their hair stand up on your on your arm like that that of watching creators create and how music combines us. >> That was a total beautiful moment by the piano. Yeah, >> they bonded musically first because the souls talk. >> They do. They talk musically. I remember my son was playing a piano and he doing a little jazz and he started improvising. >> Yeah. >> He goes, "Wow." He said, "What's it sound like? What's it feel like >> to hear your soul talking to you?" >> Hear your soul talking to you. >> Right. And so when music that was a beautiful beginning for you guys, they bonded first before the kiss happens. >> You two clearly have bonded. You only have to watch you in the hallway or what they you bonded and that must be one of the great side benefits of being an actor. >> I I'm constantly pushing the friendship. Jim's a little reluctant. >> I'm I am just so mad you didn't bring me any coffee today. Your guy brought you coffee. Sorry I brought this up. I didn't realize it was going to be a bad thing. Okay, thank you guys. >> Flicks with Patrick Stoner explores the craft and culture of film making that enhance our communities for television stations and websites around the country.