Songwriter (2018)
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Docu about pop star's album creation; smoking, cursing.

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Songwriter (2018)
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What's the Story?
From riffing on ideas in the back of a tour bus to adjusting frequencies on the final mix, SONGWRITER shows the hard work, collaboration, teamwork, frustrations, and joys of Ed Sheeran's artistic process in creating the album Divide. Cameras operated by Sheeran's cousin capture the highs and lows and the unusual locations used -- everything from start to finish -- that went into creating the album.
Is It Any Good?
Ardent fans of Ed Sheeran will love soaking up every minute of this documentary about the creative process that led to the album Divide. Teens who are interested in music will also enjoy Songwriter's behind-the-scenes access: the gear, the recording equipment, the instruments. Watching a song grow from a few hummed phrases into a fully realized album track may inspire them to try an instrument or write a song themselves. Archival footage from Sheeran's childhood add to his wholesome appeal and help fans visualize the world he inhabits and sings about.
It's unlikely to hold the interest of those who aren't fans of Sheeran or interested in the music industry. Some parts of the process, like when he and a bunch of other songwriters are holed up in a house in Malibu, drag on for too long. And moments of genuine emotion are too few and far between to keep people hooked who aren't enjoying the music. But Sheeran fans will no doubt want to watch it over and over again.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Songwriter shows the songwriting process. Did anything about it surprise you? What character strengths make someone a good collaborator?
Why is Ed Sheeran so popular? If you like his music, what's so great about it? What's your favorite song of his? If you don't like his music, why not? Who do you like better?
Why do you think this documentary was made? Is it for fans? To make money? Does it provide any real insights, or does it just seem gratuitous?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 23, 2018
- On DVD or streaming: August 17, 2018
- Cast: Ed Sheeran
- Director: Murray Cummings
- Studio: Murray Pictures
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- Run time: 84 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 8, 2023
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