I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

Critics Consensus

Besides being a treat for Wilco fans, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart also exposes the workings of a profit-driven music industry.

90%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 4,651

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I Am Trying to Break Your Heart Photos

Scene from the film I AM TRYING TO BREAK YOUR HEART.

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Movie Info

This insightful documentary chronicles the tumultuous recording and release of the band Wilco's 2002 album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." A bold departure from the group's earlier releases, recording it nearly broke up the band, and when it was completed, their label refused to release it and eventually dumped Wilco from their roster. With the album completed, the band turned to the Internet to get attention for the record, which was eventually released to widespread success and critical acclaim.

Genre:

documentary
Original Language:

English
Director:

Sam Jones
Producer:

Sam Jones, Peter Abraham
Release Date (Streaming):

Apr 1, 2003
Box Office (Gross USA):

$445.5K
Runtime:

1h 33m

Cast & Crew

Jeff Tweedy
Self

John Stirratt
Self

Leroy Bach
Self

Glenn Kotche
Self

Jay Bennett
Self

Sam Jones
Director

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

All Critics (60) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (53) | Rotten (7)

Quote not available.

August 14, 2007 | Rating: 3/4

Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
Quote not available.

March 10, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

Kimberley Jones
Austin Chronicle
Is there enough material to merit a documentary on the making of Wilco's last album?

November 1, 2002 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

Connie Ogle
Miami Herald
If you aren't already a fan of Wilco, a critical darling led by the talented and wily songwriter Jeff Tweedy, the film does little to enlighten or recruit.

October 25, 2002 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Peter Howell
Toronto Star
Woven together handsomely, recalling sixties' rockumentary milestones from Lonely Boy to Don't Look Back.

October 25, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4

Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
The film doesn't show enough of the creative process or even of what was created for the non-fan to figure out what makes Wilco a big deal.

October 17, 2002 | Rating: 2/5

Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel
Quote not available.

December 9, 2007 | Rating: 3/5

Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
Quote not available.

December 6, 2005 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

Film Threat
It is an often overlooked gem of a movie, chronicling the creative process of making a personal record in more detail than has even been seen. Also, the film is helped tremendously by some great music from Wilco, and a ironic, triumphant twist of real-lif

October 1, 2005 | Rating: 4/5

Eric Melin
Scene-Stealers.com
Quote not available.

August 16, 2005 | Rating: 2/5

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Fortunately for Wilco, who have a passion for excellence, creative freedom, and innovation, Jones's camera recorded footage at the scene of a crime against art.

December 6, 2004 | Rating: B+

Jeffrey Overstreet
Looking Closer
Quote not available.

June 10, 2003 | Rating: 3/5

Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com

View All Critic Reviews (60)

Audience Reviews for I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

Feb 03, 2010

Not a fan of the band films but I really take my hat off to Wilco for their attempts to bring back Woody Guthrie into the mainstream. As a result, I really got into the storyline here and enjoyed it.

John B Super Reviewer
Jun 03, 2009

Really fascinating and sad. The filmmaker takes a meandering sort of approach, complemented by great photography. The film really makes you feel like the album is important, and I feel to a certain extent it is. The appeal of this film, may be lost on the non-Wilco fan as it's very very Wilco.

Patrick D Super Reviewer
Sep 21, 2007

Wilco are one of the greatest bands on Earth and this documentary film of the making of their masterpiece, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot", is a fascinating glimpse at record company machination vs the creation of art.

Stephen M Super Reviewer
Mar 03, 2007

An interesting look at the creative process and a must see for Wilco fans, who will get to see the drama behind one of the best albums of the past ten years.

Steve K Super Reviewer