greetings from jeff

I just finished watching Greetings From Tim Buckley, a film (available on iTunes) that stars Penn Badgely as Jeff, and Imogen Poots as a fictional woman he meets while preparing to take part in a tribute concert honoring his father.

If you know me, you also probably know that I'm an uber-fan of Jeff Buckley. I've loved him since my friend Scott introduced me to Grace in 1995. I attended a fan gathering for Jeff at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame a few years ago and had an amazing movie-moment meeting his mom. It's the closest I can get to him, I suppose.

I eagerly dreaded watching the film because I have a very angelic perception of Jeff, high on his pedestal wearing a white v-neck t-shirt. He was beautiful. He seemed so gentle and playful. And of course, that voice.

I didn't know if it would be - don't laugh - too painful to watch, and I mean that sincerely. Penn Badgely did an amazing job. He swayed his head like Jeff did when he sang, and he hit those seemingly impossible notes Jeff would belt out effortlessly.

There's a scene in a record store where the conversation moves to different decades of music, and it was very close to some things Jeff said during his show in Chicago at the Double Door. It was released on DVD 13 or 14 years ago and is stunning. But it's hard for me to watch. I just get too sad. And watching this film, well, it hurt my heart. I just want to wrap my arms around him and protect him - protect him from the pain he felt being abandoned by his father, and protect him from going in to the Mississippi River just a few years later.

Penn, I was really impressed. You are definitely one to watch. You honored Jeff and his fans. Thank you.