Cameron Crowe opens Tribeca Film Fest with Elton John doc

The 10th Tribeca Film Festival, April 20-May 1, will kick off with the world premiere of Cameron Crowe's documentary
The Union, about the making of the album of the same name by Elton John and Leon Russell, organizers announced on March 2.

The film will be shown in a free, outdoor screening on April 20 at New York City's World Financial Plaza, followed by a live performance by Elton John.

The Union is an in-depth look at the recording process behind the album, which was produced by Oscar and Grammy winner T-Bone Burnett ( Crazy Heart). The film features the collaboration of the two musical legends for their album release last October.

"Cameron Crowe gives audiences unprecedented access into Elton John and Leon Russell's artistic process in an emotional and realistic way," said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder along with Robert DeNiro of the festival, in the press release.

Like Martin Scorsese, who did music films with the Rolling Stones and George Harrison, Crowe also has several music documentaries to his name, including films on Pearl Jam and Tom Petty.

The Union features John's lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, pianist Booker T., a 10-piece gospel choir, and Stevie Nicks.

Crowe ( Almost Famous, Singles) is currently directing We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

On March 7 and 14, the festival will announce the rest of its feature film program.

http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival/

RC