The Union will debut on HBO on
Thursday, February 2.
Director Cameron Crowe's documentary
follows singer-songwriters Elton John and Leon Russell throughout the
creative process behind their 2010 acclaimed studio album The
Union.
“The Union … captures the
entire writing and recording process of the heralded album John
recorded with his early-career idol, Russell,” the filmmaker said
in a statement.
“Never before filmed in his composing
process, John's creation of The Union is an extremely candid
portrait of one of the world's most treasured artists and performers,
and his extraordinary journey of the heart – one that sent him to
powerfully reclaim and reinvigorate the life and musical career of
Russell, to whom John hadn't spoken to in over 38 years. The
Union is a captivating and exhilarating real-life experience of
musical creation and generosity, directed by Cameron Crowe,” the
film's description reads. (A trailer for the film is embedded in the
right panel of this page. Visit
our video library for more videos.)
The film also explores Sir Elton's
early career and how fame has affected him: “I spent a lot of time
in my life feeling insecure offstage, rather than being secure on it.
I'm not that way anymore – I want to help people, I want to give
back. I love young artists. And if I met the younger me today, I'd
probably want to help him, too.”
The Union premiered during last
year's edition of New York City's Tribeca Film Festival.