Ain't In It for My Health: A Film about Levon Helm

There's no doubt that Levon Helm, late singer-drummer for The Band, wasn't in it for his health. He was an indefatigable performer who didn't let throat cancer slow him down (it's both disturbing and unsurprising to see him smoking throughout this film). In his final years, Helm would occasionally tour, but conserved most of his energy for the Midnight Rambles that took place on the Woodstock property he shared with his wife, Sandy. At one of these gatherings, he performs Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" (afterwards sharing a joint with Billy Bob Thornton). Producer Larry Campbell notes that The Band's songwriting royalties went to band mate Robbie Robertson, which was part of the reason Helm couldn't afford to stop playing, even though he experienced vocal complications in the wake of radiation treatment. Filmmaker Jacob Hatley shot most of this vérité-style footage in 2008, a year in which Helm received a lifetime achievement award for his participation in The Band and a Grammy for Dirt Farmer, his first album in 25 years. The documentary also features footage from The Band's appearances on the big and little screens, such as Woodstock and The Ed Sullivan Show. Other speakers include Band member Rick Danko's widow, Elizabeth; Helm's daughter, Amy, a backup singer; and Band biographer Barney Hoskyns. Extras include deleted scenes. An engaging portrait of a charming raconteur with an easy laugh, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)