Amy

"All I'm good for is making tunes," Amy Winehouse told one interviewer."So leave me alone to do that." Unfortunately-as we all know-the big machine of fame and the dissipation brought on by substance abuse led to the all-to-early demise of one of the finest pop/jazz/soul singers since Billie Holiday. I confess I did not know that much about Amy's talented song-stylings going in to see the film but I left with feelings of exhilaration and sadness. One of the finest moments in the film occurs when the great Tony Bennett invites her to perform a duet with him of the jazz standard "Body and Soul." Amy was initially very nervous but the gentlemanly Bennett helped her to proceed by providing a smile and an encouraging word. I will say nothing about the toxic people in her life because the whole unfortunate story is laid out beautifully in Kapadia's expertly curated documentary. In the end, the best words are provided by the 89-year Mr. Bennett: "Life teaches you how to live it, if you can live long enough." This fine picture is an early contender for Best Documentary at next year's Oscars.