Brad Pitt once hoped to bring Jeff Buckley’s life story to the big screen, sparking early conversations about a potential Jeff Buckley documentary. He even reached out to Buckley’s mother, Mary Guibert, for permission to create a film that would honor the late musician. Initially, she showed interest, especially since Pitt’s star power seemed promising. However, her concerns about authenticity led her to choose a more factual approach over a feature-length dramatization.
Guibert’s hesitations revolved around how an actor could realistically portray Buckley’s essence. She questioned the idea of changing hair color, wearing contact lenses, and then relying on Buckley’s actual voice. Although she admired Pitt’s passion, she felt an urge to preserve her son’s legacy in a way that spotlighted his real character rather than a Hollywood depiction.
Despite the eventual pivot away from a traditional biopic, Pitt continued his involvement. He helped safeguard Buckley’s archives and supported Guibert’s decision to bring a Jeff Buckley documentary to life. This documentary, titled It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, features rare recordings, personal journals, and heartfelt voicemail messages. It aims to reveal facets of Buckley’s short yet influential career, best exemplified by his iconic cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
Inside the Jeff Buckley Documentary
Director Amy Berg came on board to shape the Jeff Buckley documentary. She believed the most authentic way to capture Buckley’s spirit was through actual footage, intimate audio, and honest storytelling. Berg found that scripted scenes could never fully recreate the natural charm and emotional depth conveyed in Buckley’s personal recordings. Her dedication to truth led her to emphasize raw sources over reenactments or fictionalized storytelling.
The film also addresses Buckley’s tragic death by drowning in 1997. Some had speculated about drug involvement, but the documentary clarifies the circumstances and highlights how rumors often overshadow reality. Berg hopes modern audiences will discover Buckley’s music on their own terms, just as his influence resurfaces on social media and streaming platforms. Guibert remains grateful for Pitt’s early support, which helped preserve her son’s artifacts and inspired a deeper commitment to authenticity.
