The story of producer, arranger, musician david foster, born 1949, who has worked with so many great actors, singers, musicians. Nominated for three oscars, numerous emmies. Won the emmy for world children's day. Canadian rocker, had a rough start, but eventually made enough to support himself and his mother. Interesting story, mostly told by foster himself. He admits (and regrets) not being the best dad. Or best son. And probably not being easy to work with. But he does seem to have the genius to know how to build great music, and make it come alive. Interesting tale, with commentary by bill clinton. Quincy jones. Streisand. Directed by barry avrich. Written by andree bagosy. In the documentary section on netflix.
20 Reviews
VIEWS ON FILM review of David Foster: Off the Record
burlesonjesse514 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
2019's David Foster: Off the Record is an overwhelming documentary that appears like an elongated checklist for the GOAT of record producers (that would David Foster of course). I mean for every moment of acknowledging Dave's startling greatness and distance-running success, there's more, almost two hours more. "Off the Record", well it feels like a celebration of life for British Columbia's favorite music exec even though he's still very much alive. Just ask Peter Cetera, Celine Dion, Michael Buble, and Quincy Jones amongst others.
Distributed by Bell Media and directed by docu vet Barry Avrich (Beyond Famous, Woman Who Act), David Foster: Off the Record chronicles Foster's career through his childhood to his collaborations with Natalie Cole and Chicago to his personal life with his daughters to his composing of Broadway musicals. Avrich, well he gives "Off the Record" a glossy look, mounds of archive footage, and crisped, timeline editing that bounces from present-day to of yore fodder. I mean David Foster: Off the Record doesn't feel so much like a documentary as it does a highlight reel for Foster that might be shown at some awards banquet via a big screen projector. Hey, I'm not saying that's a bad thing but the conspicuousness is surely there.
So OK, watching "Off the Record" you wonder if it actually needed to be made. I mean everyone knows who David Foster is. Heck, the dude has won 14 Grammy Awards and has helped countless artists sell millions and millions of units. So why? Why? Is it to remind everyone that everything Foster touches pop music-wise turns to gold? Or that he's an absolute beast behind the recording studio booth? Or that he has a cocky air about him and likes to spew a few F-bombs (something people already have recognized)? Probably on all counts. Bottom line: David Foster: Off the Record is well-made, exhausting, and worthy of garnering your awareness as a viewer. But it's also a little self-serving, a little vanity-stricken, and attention-grabbing, things that an easy-listening, ditty legend like Foster didn't need to project in the first place.
Distributed by Bell Media and directed by docu vet Barry Avrich (Beyond Famous, Woman Who Act), David Foster: Off the Record chronicles Foster's career through his childhood to his collaborations with Natalie Cole and Chicago to his personal life with his daughters to his composing of Broadway musicals. Avrich, well he gives "Off the Record" a glossy look, mounds of archive footage, and crisped, timeline editing that bounces from present-day to of yore fodder. I mean David Foster: Off the Record doesn't feel so much like a documentary as it does a highlight reel for Foster that might be shown at some awards banquet via a big screen projector. Hey, I'm not saying that's a bad thing but the conspicuousness is surely there.
So OK, watching "Off the Record" you wonder if it actually needed to be made. I mean everyone knows who David Foster is. Heck, the dude has won 14 Grammy Awards and has helped countless artists sell millions and millions of units. So why? Why? Is it to remind everyone that everything Foster touches pop music-wise turns to gold? Or that he's an absolute beast behind the recording studio booth? Or that he has a cocky air about him and likes to spew a few F-bombs (something people already have recognized)? Probably on all counts. Bottom line: David Foster: Off the Record is well-made, exhausting, and worthy of garnering your awareness as a viewer. But it's also a little self-serving, a little vanity-stricken, and attention-grabbing, things that an easy-listening, ditty legend like Foster didn't need to project in the first place.
Loved it! Watched it twice in 2 days!
becneilsen30 July 2020
Ok David Foster is arrogant. Yep he's not a great father and he's been a TERRIBLE husband.
BUT he is a musical genius! You cannot deny that. How strange that viewers stopped watching because they thought he was too arrogant?! I did not watch the doco to see a humble man...I watched it to see the life story of a musical genius, and I loved it! His life is absolutely fascinating. I took a walk through my childhood as I listened to the songs he has produced.
I forgot just how amazing Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You is... And to hear how it was created is phenomenal.
The doco was made extremely well, interwining the music David created with the story of his life. Interviews by the people he "found" and worked with was also fascinating.
I loved this documentary and highly recommend. Don't go in there expecting to see a humble man. Go in there with the expectation only of looking at one man's life and the music he made. You will not be disappointed!
I loved this documentary and highly recommend. Don't go in there expecting to see a humble man. Go in there with the expectation only of looking at one man's life and the music he made. You will not be disappointed!
That's an "E" you are playing
gasket36021 May 2021
I also had perfect pitch as a musician--but it doesn't mean I was even remotely as successful as David Foster. His achievements, awards, and lauds are very well deserved. I really did not know too much about him until I watched RHOBH. It has been enlightening--THIS production, NOT RHOBH. It is an interesting symbiotic relationship that his music was given voice and spirit by singers, realizing that he could have never sung his own songs. Although his own life was a mess of marriages, it seems that he found nearly perfect relationships with his artists--each making the other great.
Brilliant!
marylizw200123 September 2020
Brilliant on all levels! If you are a lover of music, you must watch this! I was mesmerized from start to finish! Brilliantly told and edited! Brilliant talent all over the place! I knew I'd David but I had no idea just how much he has done and how many artists he had discovered.
A must see!
Oh dear..
benfrewin-696-7784136 February 2021
David Foster is a Legend when it comes to the "glory days" of the 70's/80's L.A music scene..
So many great ways to make a film about this man, despite his imperfections etc..
But this is an embarrassment. What a vain, troubled old man. He clearly had full editorial control over this. And it shows..
His legacy should speak for itself. None of us are perfect. But all this film reminds me of is Eric Clapton's autobiography. Another great man that I admire, bearing his (deeply unpleasant) soul, and "lucking out" in the end with a young, attractive wife who appears to be together emotionally, but let's face it, is marrying an old rich guy with kids way younger than her. With lots of money.
So many great ways to make a film about this man, despite his imperfections etc..
But this is an embarrassment. What a vain, troubled old man. He clearly had full editorial control over this. And it shows..
His legacy should speak for itself. None of us are perfect. But all this film reminds me of is Eric Clapton's autobiography. Another great man that I admire, bearing his (deeply unpleasant) soul, and "lucking out" in the end with a young, attractive wife who appears to be together emotionally, but let's face it, is marrying an old rich guy with kids way younger than her. With lots of money.
Love it or Hate it.
mandagrammy10 July 2020
Apparently you are going to either love this film or hate it, according to reviews. I'm firmly in the love it camp. Yes, Foster is an imperfect man, but in no way does he try to conceal his faults. But, watching this film is as much about the man's talent as a producer and ability to recognize phenomenal talent in others as it is about his personal life. Just watching and listening to all the greats that he has helped over the years is worth the time to watch it. I certainly am glad I did.
Over Produced and Syrupy ; Cringeworthy and Ultimately Boring
dschwartzschwartzposnock27 January 2024
The music created by DF was overproduced and syrupy sweet. I'm not qualified to suggest that he is a musical genius. It simply does nothing for me.
It's about as lacking in gravitas as DF is lacking in insight and genuine self reflection. The music is glossy and superficial in my view. Overblown like his ego. The film was annoying and boring to boot.
There were plenty of LA studio musicians that better exemply the culture of inspired and inspiring session players. See the Wrecking Crew and Immediate Family documentaries. Add Muscle Shoals to your doco watch list. Great players and producers.
It's about as lacking in gravitas as DF is lacking in insight and genuine self reflection. The music is glossy and superficial in my view. Overblown like his ego. The film was annoying and boring to boot.
There were plenty of LA studio musicians that better exemply the culture of inspired and inspiring session players. See the Wrecking Crew and Immediate Family documentaries. Add Muscle Shoals to your doco watch list. Great players and producers.
An inspiring film, an inspired man and a musical legacy for all time
ellen-riches28 December 2019
I just finished watching this documentary about David Foster and I'm left breathless. I have always admired his music and his talent at producing phenomenal songs. Getting into more of who the man is was a real revelation. A decent man, imperfect, determined and still striving; long may he continue to create these musical masterpieces.
Incredible
stellamt-229-90869327 July 2020
Well that was interesting
jpates-023113 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
When I watched this I was quietly awestruck by the level of ego that went in to this. I asked myself a few times what the point is of a dedication to someone if they are standing and making sure people are saying and approving of how they are being praised by the people that are speaking. If you want to listen to 20/20 vision perspectives on managing to save a life by hitting someone with your car, this is it, or not taking personal responsibility for how you conduct your bad personal life, but making great hits, or humble bragging about a foundation just so people can see you save the children, you won't be disappointed. My final question is, what is any of this worth, if it means sacrificing your nearest and dearest in the process.
Love his work, but . . .
tnadolny-478113 May 2022
To say DF is egotistical is an understatement. The entire film seemed to be scripted by DF, with fawning tributes by the cameoed guests.
This could have been an interesting look at a giant of the music industry. Instead, it was a cringe-worthy look behind the curtain at an egotist's life. Yuck.
Too bad. The music is awesome.
This could have been an interesting look at a giant of the music industry. Instead, it was a cringe-worthy look behind the curtain at an egotist's life. Yuck.
Too bad. The music is awesome.
Congratulatory Fluff Piece
fosterd8919 October 2020
So I had to watch this on Netflix even though I had no idea who David Foster is because my name is also David Foster, Lol. Well, I found out that David Foster is a pretty big jerk who has hurt every woman he ever married and every child he ever had, yet because he's a big-time music producer, he has an enormous ego and seems to have never grown up. This piece was clearly a promotional piece that he had a hand in. He may not be credited as a producer on the project, but it's not hard to see that he was pulling the strings. Just a weird, congratulatory piece...
Review the movie - not the man
simon-64813 July 2020
Even though I'm into music history and know a lot of the names in the business, I never heard of David Foster. I heard his name for the first time last year, as my girlfriend is obsessed with Real Housewifes of Beverly Hills. So this documentary was literally the first I have ever learned about the man. And boy... the movie didn't make him look good.
The structure of the documentary is somewhat chaotic. You would see random stories of tragedy or "heartfelt" moments, but never digs any deeper than few minutes, before it goes on to show Foster's next great success.
Like a story of a daughter he gave up for adoption 30 years ago. 30 years later she show up in his life, but he doesn't have time for her, as he will be spread too thin - having a lot of kids already. End of story.
Why was that included? What was it supposed to tell us viewers? That Foster doesn't have time for a long lost daughter, he gave up for adoption? I'm really not sure, as the documentary doesn't explain this relationship further.
So I'm a bit confused what I have just watched; a list of achievements, which he literally shows off on his piano with a lot of Grammy's - or a window to actually learn who the man is?
Comparing it to other biographical documentaries like "Amy", "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck" or George Harrison: Living in the Material World, I knew their music very well, but I had no clue who they were as human beings. Those documentaries gave a unique window into their life, fears, success, struggles and so on. And even though they were different generations of musicians, I could feel who they were and even identify myself with their lives - minus all the musical succes.
But we never really see this in this documentary. After watching it, I know his discography now - but I still don't really know who he is, as a human.
The structure of the documentary is somewhat chaotic. You would see random stories of tragedy or "heartfelt" moments, but never digs any deeper than few minutes, before it goes on to show Foster's next great success.
Like a story of a daughter he gave up for adoption 30 years ago. 30 years later she show up in his life, but he doesn't have time for her, as he will be spread too thin - having a lot of kids already. End of story.
Why was that included? What was it supposed to tell us viewers? That Foster doesn't have time for a long lost daughter, he gave up for adoption? I'm really not sure, as the documentary doesn't explain this relationship further.
So I'm a bit confused what I have just watched; a list of achievements, which he literally shows off on his piano with a lot of Grammy's - or a window to actually learn who the man is?
Comparing it to other biographical documentaries like "Amy", "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck" or George Harrison: Living in the Material World, I knew their music very well, but I had no clue who they were as human beings. Those documentaries gave a unique window into their life, fears, success, struggles and so on. And even though they were different generations of musicians, I could feel who they were and even identify myself with their lives - minus all the musical succes.
But we never really see this in this documentary. After watching it, I know his discography now - but I still don't really know who he is, as a human.
Great music-horrible person
helenahandbasket-937348 July 2020
Isn't that that way it always goes, though?
Abandoned his families at every turn, disregards their needs unless it's court ordered, and as he said, he bailed when small bumps arose.
There's a finite amount of time you have in life to affect the lives of others, and touching those closest to you is what will have the best benefits.
Mr. Foster is still in quite a bit of denial regarding his personal life, and it's heartbreaking. His children may be able to cheerfully gloss over the shards of broken glass, David seems all too gleeful to do so, but someday they'll all decide that money doesn't fix anything and get to the core of their issues.
What a piece of egotistical blathering this was- after a minor blip featuring some of his numerous children then reverting right back into 'I'm so fabulous, look at meeeee!!!' I turned this giant puff piece off.
After watching 'The Defiant Ones', which glosses all too easily over the ridiculousness of the main antagonists many missteps and illegalities, this one is not much different. Skip over all these 'documentaries' that endlessly fluff up people with no redeeming qualities other than making music.
Abandoned his families at every turn, disregards their needs unless it's court ordered, and as he said, he bailed when small bumps arose.
There's a finite amount of time you have in life to affect the lives of others, and touching those closest to you is what will have the best benefits.
Mr. Foster is still in quite a bit of denial regarding his personal life, and it's heartbreaking. His children may be able to cheerfully gloss over the shards of broken glass, David seems all too gleeful to do so, but someday they'll all decide that money doesn't fix anything and get to the core of their issues.
What a piece of egotistical blathering this was- after a minor blip featuring some of his numerous children then reverting right back into 'I'm so fabulous, look at meeeee!!!' I turned this giant puff piece off.
After watching 'The Defiant Ones', which glosses all too easily over the ridiculousness of the main antagonists many missteps and illegalities, this one is not much different. Skip over all these 'documentaries' that endlessly fluff up people with no redeeming qualities other than making music.
Surprisingly Shallow Considering Library of Work
fayandray21 July 2020
With the numerous icons he's worked with over 40 years, I really expected to get more of an idea of who this person is. Instead it was mostly him talking about himself.
It's too bad. Real missed opportunity here. A few glimpses of humanity (i.e. Katherine McPhee's thoughts about him and their relationship) overshadowed by ego. The attempt as a documentary was the best it could be considering the few participants outside of himself and his immediate family.
I would've much preferred a history of what he's done narrated by voiceover by someone else. At least then we would've learned or remembered what impact he's had on music as a whole, as well as his talent as a composer - it's a lot, but you'd never know it by watching this.
I give it a 4 for the deserved coverage, but it doesn't get more stars from me, because it should've at least made a dent in his musical accomplishments. Quincy Jones' documentary is SO much better both in terms of format and the human being.
It's too bad. Real missed opportunity here. A few glimpses of humanity (i.e. Katherine McPhee's thoughts about him and their relationship) overshadowed by ego. The attempt as a documentary was the best it could be considering the few participants outside of himself and his immediate family.
I would've much preferred a history of what he's done narrated by voiceover by someone else. At least then we would've learned or remembered what impact he's had on music as a whole, as well as his talent as a composer - it's a lot, but you'd never know it by watching this.
I give it a 4 for the deserved coverage, but it doesn't get more stars from me, because it should've at least made a dent in his musical accomplishments. Quincy Jones' documentary is SO much better both in terms of format and the human being.
This was the worst documentary I have ever seen
dcreal-7594230 March 2021
This wasn't a documentary. This was over an hour of a man who was given pretty much everything self congratulating himself. Truly delusions of grandeur. He called Chuck Berry (the father of Rock n Roll) an as*hole. At that point, I should have turned it off. He may have had some hits, but he is shallow and was given opportunities that others of color did not have. He also takes credit over tons of things he had help with. If you want to watch an egomaniac then this is the documentary for you.
Narcissist
kagonz111 August 2020
I wanted to like it but couldn't. Our world is full of ego-maniacs and narcissists. Last thing we need is another one. Why was a movie made about this guy? Tens kids from how many women? Abandoned his
mother and sisters after his father died? No one is perfect, I get it. But there's zero humility or wisdom as he tells his story. He admits mistakes but in an arrogant way. After seeing 20 minutes of this, I could care less about his music or the man.
I couldn't make it 10 minutes into this film.
Travis_T8813 July 2020
I was interested in checking this film out because I love music. It's apparent that from just the opening introduction that David Foster loves himself more than any music; even more than the music he has written, which seems rightly impossible. That's how big his ego is.
So the film starts with David talking about how he's going to be over the filmmaker's shoulder for the entire duration of the making of the film. The guy was trying to control another artist's vision and he said so right out the gate. Yikes. Strike one.
This opening monologue is set to the backdrop of an arrangement of "Feelin' Good." That was the first confusing thing. Surely David Foster didn't write that song when he was in middle school in the early 1960's. And guess what? He didn't. Anthony Newley and Leslie Brecusse wrote it. Not David Foster. We're off to a pretty bad start here. Strike two.
Then after intially tripping through the wilderness of David's stale egomania about the glory years gone past, we cut to David driving through New York City in the back of a limousine. He says how this is the first time he has ever been excited to be in New York (!!!!!!!) set to the backdrop of "Take the A Train." It should be noted that Billy Strayhorn wrote "Take the A Train," for Duke Ellington. David Foster didn't write "Take the A Train." So now we are a good solid 10 minutes into this film about David Foster, the incredible songwriter, and we haven't heard a single note that he has composed. He have heard not one, but TWO compositions by other composers that have absolutely no nexus to David Foster. They aren't even in the same GENERATION as David Foster. Strike three.
You're out, dude. If you manage to make it to the part where they play his music, you will understand why: it is truly awful music.
So the film starts with David talking about how he's going to be over the filmmaker's shoulder for the entire duration of the making of the film. The guy was trying to control another artist's vision and he said so right out the gate. Yikes. Strike one.
This opening monologue is set to the backdrop of an arrangement of "Feelin' Good." That was the first confusing thing. Surely David Foster didn't write that song when he was in middle school in the early 1960's. And guess what? He didn't. Anthony Newley and Leslie Brecusse wrote it. Not David Foster. We're off to a pretty bad start here. Strike two.
Then after intially tripping through the wilderness of David's stale egomania about the glory years gone past, we cut to David driving through New York City in the back of a limousine. He says how this is the first time he has ever been excited to be in New York (!!!!!!!) set to the backdrop of "Take the A Train." It should be noted that Billy Strayhorn wrote "Take the A Train," for Duke Ellington. David Foster didn't write "Take the A Train." So now we are a good solid 10 minutes into this film about David Foster, the incredible songwriter, and we haven't heard a single note that he has composed. He have heard not one, but TWO compositions by other composers that have absolutely no nexus to David Foster. They aren't even in the same GENERATION as David Foster. Strike three.
You're out, dude. If you manage to make it to the part where they play his music, you will understand why: it is truly awful music.
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