by Charlie Barnett | Oct 30, 2019 | Charlie's Blog, News
Diane Rehm, the well-known NPR radio host, is featured in a new documentary I’m scoring. The film, called When My Time Comes, is about Rehm’s efforts to legalize medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. She took up the cause after watching her late husband suffer needlessly for the lack of this option. Rehm is a terrific interviewer, and some of the scenes with patients and survivors are just gutting. My challenge has been to enhance the film’s natural emotions without getting in the way of them. Alto sax features prominently in the score, but there are some spots where the director, Joe Fab, wanted just piano. Joe has directed this thoughtful and important film with a real sensitivity, and I am honored to have been included in the production.
by Charlie Barnett | Oct 6, 2019 | Charlie's Blog, News
There are certain things that make me feel my age. The very idea of running is one of them; I fear that these knees have probably taken their last long stride. Another is the thought that my oldest daughter will soon turn forty. How dare she? A recent third: my 50th high school reunion. It was horrible and it was wonderful. Amid the surf and turf dinner and the Motown covers, I was faced with the reality that these old-timers were my classmates, and that I was one of them. Denial was impossible. I found myself swimming in a genial acceptance, laughing and marveling over where life has brought each of us. I didn’t come away with any big life lessons, but I did get a sense, at least for one night, that the world is turning at the same pace for everybody, and that there is no reason not to dance to The Temptations whenever you get the chance.
by Charlie Barnett | Oct 1, 2019 | Charlie's Blog, News
I don’t usually use this website for calls to action, but a friend of mine is in trouble, so I am making an exception. I met Richard Dean (everyone calls him Dean) nearly 30 years ago when he was a young hip-hop producer in the Washington DC area. He later resurfaced in my world as a self-taught and self-employed film editor of tremendous industry and talent. We’ve worked together on many films, and I have always been blown away by what he brings to these projects. Unfortunately, Dean has recently had some health challenges that have kept him from working, and in order to get back to work he needs a specially adapted vehicle that he can’t afford. I’ve started a GoFundMe campaign to help. If you are able to donate or to spread the word about Dean’s situation, especially to any film editors you may know, I would be very grateful. Here is a link for more information: Richard Dean GoFundMe Page
