Eric Clapton Documentary ‘A Life in 12 Bars’

‘Eric Clapton: A Life in 12 Bars’ Documentary in the Works

A career-spanning documentary about Eric Clapton, called A Life in 12 Bars, is currently in the works.

Variety reports that the feature is being directed by Lili Fini Zanuck, whose prior career credits include producing the Oscar-winning Driving Miss Daisy, and producer John Battsek, whose previous forays into rock-biopic territory include the acclaimed Searching for Sugar Man.

Zanuck, whose directorial debut was Rush, the 1991 drama whose soundtrack featured Clapton’s hugely popular “Tears in Heaven” single, promises a comprehensive and emotionally affecting overview of her subject’s artistic legacy as well as his private life, which she calls the movie’s “emotional spine.” Yet, in spite of all the “tragedies, addiction, and loss” that seem certain to offer a prurient hook, Zanuck vows it’ll all come back to the music.

“Clapton’s music is the foundation of our film, said Zanuck in a statement. “His commitment to the blues, its traditions and originators, is absolute from his earliest days. He was also forever restless in his search of a suitable vehicle to shape and grow his artistic voice, often bewildering fans and the media with sudden changes in musical direction, bands, songs, guitar style, tone and physical appearance.”

A Life in 12 Bars will chart Clapton’s rise from Bluesbreaker to guitar god to three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and his many projects in between. The film also provides an introspective look into personal turmoil Clapton faced, including his drug addictions and the 1991 death of his son.

No release date has yet been set for the film, but footage from it will be shown to potential buyers at the European Film Market, part of the Berlin International Film Festival, from 9-17 February.

Unprecedented access is given to Clapton’s “extensive personal archive of classic performance clips, on- and off-stage footage, iconic photos, concert posters, handwritten letters, drawings and personal diary entries.”

Ook op Blues Magazine ...