Helmed by two-time Emmy-nominated director Bess Kargman (First Position), Diane Warren: Relentless is a documentary exploring the life of multi-award-winning songwriter Diane Warren. The feature documentary takes an intimate look beyond Warren’s art, delving into her life filled with her signature humor. It features commentaries from Warren’s notable collaborators, including Cher, Jennifer Hudson, Kesha, and more.
Diane Warren: Relentless had its world premiere earlier this year at the 31st SXSW Festival. The doc was also featured in the 55th Nashville Film Festival, the 15th DOC NYC, and the 36th Palm Springs Film Festival.
Release Date
Directed by Bess Kargman, Diane Warren: Relentless opens in select US theaters on January 10, 2025, and on Masterclass on January 16, 2025.
Synopsis
Diane Warren, one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, with a four-decade track record of writing mega-hits for industry giants, emerges as a force to be reckoned with in Diane Warren: Relentless. Boasting 15 Academy Award nominations, an Honorary Oscar along with Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards, Diane has etched her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is responsible for some of the most iconic songs of our time.
In this intimate documentary, filled with Diane’s signature humor, audiences get a rarely seen glimpse into Diane’s life and underdog journey to where she is today. Marked by a distinctive songwriting approach, exceptional work ethic, and irreverence, the narrative delves into her most remarkable collaborations with first-hand commentary from Cher, Gloria Estefan, Common, David Foster, Jennifer Hudson, Kesha, and many more to showcase the creative genius that is Diane Warren.
“My work has always been inspired by the idea that a story is only as good as its characters. Having directed films centered around professional athletes, the world of dance, and now music, I can say without hesitation that Diane Warren is one of the most unique characters I have ever followed,” says director Bess Kargman in her director’s statement. “We came to understand her life as far more than just a career success story but as the personification of passion and resilience. Audiences will be surprised by her candor, her sense of humor, and the daunting journey she had to take to become one of the most prolific songwriters in the world.”
Reviews
Matt Zoller Seitz in a RogerEbert.com review praised the documentary, writing, “The deep access granted to everyone’s personal archives will make this a must-see for fans. There are photos and video clips in here that probably haven’t been seen since they were taken. It feels very “official,” though, even if nobody involved wanted it to feel that way. It’s a lovefest, like a party after a 40th high school reunion where all the folks who were part of a close-knit group are healthy and not holding any grudges.”
David Ehrlich in an IndieWire review gave the film a C+, writing, “I came away from this movie with a vague but palpable new appreciation for who she is, what she does, and why she won’t stop. Most surprisingly, I also came away from it hoping that she’ll eventually win an Oscar someday, and disappointed that this documentary about her seems more interested in helping her do that than it does in succeeding on its own terms.”
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Diane Warren: Relentless.
Related posts:
