Elliott Smith

Sound

Elliott Smith

Born August 6, 1969 · Omaha - Nebraska - USA

Died October 21, 2003 · aged 34

Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and lived for much of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity. Smith's primary instrument was the guitar, though he was also proficient with piano, clarinet, bass guitar, drums, and harmonica. Smith ha…

Known For

Good Will HuntingGood Will Hunting · 1997
Good Will Hunting
8.21997
MovieDrama
Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.
ThumbsuckerThumbsucker · 2005
Thumbsucker
6.22005
MovieComedyDrama
Justin Cobb, a teenager in suburban Oregon, copes with his thumb-sucking problem, romance, and his diagnosis with ADHD and subsequent experience using Ritalin.
PaperboysPaperboys · 2001
Paperboys
6.52001
MovieDocumentary
This documentary follows six paperboys from Stillwater, Minnesota, showcasing interviews and scenes of them biking through their daily delivery routes. It highlights the shift in American culture, where adults are now taking on a job once dominated by young teens.
Strange ParallelStrange Parallel · 1998
Strange Parallel
6.41998
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Strange Parallel is a documentary/short film revolving around the American singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. The film features interviews with Elliott himself as well as fans, friends and other acquaintances of his (including Gus Van Sant, Larry Crane, and the members of Quasi). The film also includes snippets of Elliott Smith performing as well as footage of him recording an unreleased song, "Brand New Game". The film sometimes moves out of reality, with acted-out, metaphorical sequences that involve Elliott considering purchasing a mechanical hand (a "robot hand" ) to improve his music.
Heaven Adores YouHeaven Adores You · 2014
Heaven Adores You
6.92014
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Heaven Adores You is an intimate, meditative inquiry into the life and music of Elliott Smith. By threading the music of Elliott Smith through the dense, yet often isolating landscapes of the three major cities he lived in -- Portland, New York City, Los Angeles -- Heaven Adores You presents a visual journey and an earnest review of the singer's prolific songwriting and the impact it continues to have on fans, friends, and fellow musicians.
Southlander: Diary of a Desperate MusicianSouthlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician · 2001
Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician
4.82001
MovieDramaMystery
Chance, a hapless Los Angeles musician is searching for the coveted Moletron synthesizer through the classified ad paper the "Southlander", and meeting interesting characters along the way.
Elliott Smith: Live at Fuji RockElliott Smith: Live at Fuji Rock · 2000
Elliott Smith: Live at Fuji Rock
2000
MovieMusic
LIVE 7/28/2000 Fuji Rock @ Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith PortraitLucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait · 1997
Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait
7.21997
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Described as "a cross between a video and a documentary, but actually being neither of the two", singer/songwriter Elliott Smith plays three acoustic songs in this Jem Cohen-directed short film.

Filmography

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Elliott's SuicideElliott's Suicide · 2007
Elliott's Suicide
2007
MovieDocumentaryMusic
A homage to the late American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, Elliott’s Suicide is a sentimental 15 minute tribute, lacking Anger’s usual irony for obvious reasons. The film begins with shots of friends’ and fans’ last words written on Smith’s memorial on Sunset Boulevard, then to footage of a Macy’s parade, focusing closely on the oddly outfitted participants, some in renaissance attire, cowboys with lassos, and beauty queens. The film is scored with Smith’s music, resulting in a melancholy effect, especially in the segment that follows Smith through the woods and films him as he digs up a guitar, then plays a song. This footage is repeated in the end of the film, but in a negative reversal print, suggesting pretty damn clearly that the subject matter has moved beyond the veil.

Songs