Crippled by adversity, struggling with demons, all he wanted was to be a happy man… This is the life of MARK LINKOUS told through his own words and those of his friends.
THIS IS SPARKLEHORSE
DIRECTORS: ALEX CROWTON & BOBBY DASS
WRITTEN AND NARRATED BY: ANGELA FAYE MARTIN
PRODUCERS: ALEX CROWTON & BOBBY DASS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: MIKE REA ALLISON MILLS
INTERVIEWEES:
DAVID LYNCH
MATT LINKOUS
JONATHON DONAHUE
DAVID LOWERY
JASON LYTLE
GEMMA HAYES
ADAM BRYANBAUM WILTZIE
ED HARCOURT
JOSH CARTER
MATTHEW WRIGHT
JOHN PARISH
ADRIAN UTLEY
EMILY HAINES
& MARK LINKOUS
PRODUCTION DATE: 2019
GENRE: DOCUMENTARY/MUSIC/BIOGRAPHY
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UNITED KINGDOM
RUNNING TIME: 90 MINS
Synopsis
In 1995, on cusp of big things, Mark Linkous, the musician known as Sparklehorse was touring his critically acclaimed 1stalbum when tragedy struck. He collapsed in his hotel room, legs pinned underneath his body for hours. His heart stopped when paramedics tried to move him. He died for several minutes. After resuscitation, Linkous spent months in hospital, paralysed. This incident would cast a long shadow on the corridor of his life.
This documentary chronicles his life and pays respectful tribute to an artist feverishly beloved by his cult followers. An artist far removed from the mainstream of music, his existence mirrored his mesmerising and unique music.
Written and narrated by Linkous’ friend and collaborator, Angela Faye Martin, the film paints a balanced portrait of an individual of immense talent and singular vision, charting his highs and lows with a poetry and hand-crafted aesthetic.
Featuring interviews with David Lynch, Jonathon Donahue & Grasshopper (Mercury Rev), David Lowery (Cracker), Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), Gemma Hayes, Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie (Stars of the Lid), Ed Harcourt, Matthew Wright, John Parish, Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Emily Haines (Metric), the film also features an in-depth interview with Linkous himself.
He was at once a humble, modest man; the epitome of a Southern Gentlemen. He was also a recovering addict who battled with debilitating bouts of depression. The dual nature of his personality reflects the extremes of his music; beautiful, surreal, off-kilter pop contrasted with dark, distorted ballads and discordant punk-rock.
He created so much beauty in his music but couldn’t attain peace in his own life. His world was sad and beautiful…
