While he started out as a member of the alt-country group Drive-By Truckers for six years, American singer-songwriter Jason Isbell has now won four Grammy Awards and become a beloved star in his own right. Isbell is famous for a lot of things, but maybe in the movie world, you may know him for writing the soulful, melancholy ballad “Maybe It’s Time” from the “A Star Is Born,” movie and soundtrack where it was performed by actor Bradley Cooper‘s character, Jackson Maine. It’s a song indicative of Isbell’s poignant, dolorous, and vulnerable style style. Isbell also has an upcoming role in Martin Scorsese‘s “Killers Of The Flower Moon“ alongside Jack White and other American rockers and songwriters.
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And the new HBO Original documentary about the singer/songwriter, “Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed,” looks much the same, intimate, candid, and vulnerable, and features a lot of struggle and personal demons, including addiction and marital issues. The film was directed and produced by Sam Jones (HBO’s “Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off”) and executive produced by Emmywinners Mark and Jay Duplass (HBO’s “The Lady and the Dale”) and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons (HBO’s “Andre The Giant,” “Showbiz Kids”). It’s also the next installment of the Music Box series, which focuses on pivotal moments in music, will debut on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max.
Here’s the official synopsis:
In his own words, renowned singer and songwriter Jason Isbell takes us on an unexpected journey through his musical evolution and creative process as he goes into the studio to record his new album,, “Reunions,,” with his band,, The 400 Unit. With striking candor and honesty, Isbell lays bare his difficult childhood, his struggles with addiction and relationships, and funneling all his pain and private battles into his music. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrives and forces him and his family into lockdown, Isbell must confront the self-doubt and fears that isolation brings to a recovering addict and artist, even as the album releases to rave reviews.
As the film pulls back the curtain on Jason’s deeply personal way of creating music, he talks openly about the challenges brought about by collaborating closely with his wife,, Amanda Shires, herself an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and fiddle player. As they write, record, and perform together, it becomes clear how intricately linked they are artistically and how that connection both enhances and complicates their marriage.
Intimately shot and revealing the inner workings of a major artist, JASON ISBELL: RUNNING WITH OUR EYES CLOSED is a unique film about a talented singer. As the four-time GRAMMY winner connects the dots from his childhood in rural Alabama to battling alcoholism during his time with the band Drive-By Truckers to the current state of his marriage, he acknowledges the crucial part that music has played in his life, the outlet it provides for his artistry, and the comfort it brings him in times of difficulty.
“Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed” begins streaming on April 7 on HBO Max. Watch the first trailer below.