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The Daily

The Cinematic Masterpiece You Won’t Get to See

Mar 7, 2025
In this discussion, Sasha Weiss, Deputy Editor at The New York Times Magazine, and Ezra Edelman, acclaimed filmmaker behind O.J.: Made in America, dive into the intricate journey of creating a documentary on Prince. They reveal the unseen brilliance of the film and the tension between artistic vision and estate legalities that led to its shelving. The conversation also touches on the duality of Prince's persona, the impact of streaming platforms like Netflix on creativity, and the challenges of portraying a complex legacy.
44:06

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The documentary aims to explore the complex life of Prince through exclusive access to his materials, revealing both his artistry and personal struggles.
  • Legal constraints and concerns from Prince's estate ultimately halted the documentary's release, raising questions about artistic integrity and legacy preservation.

Deep dives

The Enigma of Prince

Prince is portrayed not just as a musical genius but also as a complex figure whose life was steeped in mystery. This multifaceted identity contributed to his status as an iconic American pop artist, evoking themes of gender fluidity and sensuality. The speaker emphasizes how Prince's artistry was deeply intertwined with his personal struggles, contributing to a cultural figure revered for his boundary-pushing work. This foundation sets the stage for exploring the documentary's aim to delve deeper into his life beyond the music.

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