Cast
View AllEric Clapton
as Self
Duane Allman
as Self
Ginger Baker
as Self
Chuck Berry
as Self
Pattie Boyd
as Self
Jack Bruce
as Self
Bob Dylan
as Self
Ahmet Ertegün
as Self
Aretha Franklin
as Self
Bill Graham
as Self
George Harrison
as Self
Jimi Hendrix
as Self
Mick Jagger
as Self
Brian Jones
as Self
Bobby Keys
as Self
Crew
Director
- Lili Fini Zanuck
Writer
- Stephen Weintraub
- Larry Yelen
Producer
- John Battsek
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Lili Fini Zanuck brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 135 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 181 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1923 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Walk the Line, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Madonna: Goddess of Pop and Emmanuelle: A Hard Look explore similar territory, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 30, 2018
- Runtime: 2h 15m
Where to Watch




