‘Diane Warren: Relentless’ Review: A Complex, Poignant Look at an Icon's Journey
Diane Warren: Relentless - PHOTO COURTSEY OF DOC NYC
Bess Kargman's documentary about the legendary songwriter Diane Warren provides an unexpectedly touching and revealing portrait of an artist defined by her tenacity, creativity, and a constant desire to please her mother. Unlike most documentaries, Diane Warren: Relentless takes us beyond the music and dives deep into the complex emotional motivations that have fueled Warren's prolific career, centering its narrative around her need to prove herself—particularly to her late mother. This focus gives the film a unique and poignant structure that resonates powerfully.
In my conversation with director Bess Kargman, she revealed that building trust with Warren took years, a process that ultimately shaped the film's raw and intimate portrayal. “She’s very funny, very flippant, and definitely not an open book. Earning her trust took years,” Kargman shared. This extended period of trust-building allowed Kargman to uncover Warren's vulnerabilities, and it is precisely this deep dive into Warren's guarded persona that makes the film stand out. Kargman emphasized that her goal was not just to portray Warren’s professional achievements, but to reveal the moments that shaped her as a person. The result is a film that gives us a glimpse of Warren’s humanity—her humor, her grit, and the impact of her mother’s lack of support.
The film opens up Warren’s world through a combination of candid interviews, rare archival footage, and intimate moments in her cluttered workspace. We see the artist's brash humor and guarded nature, but the documentary also illuminates her vulnerabilities. Warren's endless pursuit of an Oscar, despite fifteen nominations, is portrayed not as an obsession with validation from Hollywood, but as a reflection of her lifelong quest to make her mother proud. “It’s actually very painful to not have the person who gave birth to you support you in any way,” Kargman noted during our interview, adding depth to the narrative's exploration of Warren's motivations. It’s this underlying emotional thread that gives Relentless an added dimension, making it more than just a music documentary.
The candid interviews Warren provides are complemented by anecdotes from artists like Cher, Jennifer Hudson, and Toni Braxton, giving insight into her process—messy, unpredictable, and entirely her own. One of the most memorable moments, as Kargman shared, was a spontaneous phone call between Cher and Warren, highlighting their genuine friendship and adding warmth to the story. The portrayal of Warren's relationships, or lack thereof, with others, including her "kind of" romantic past with producer Guy Roche, adds depth to her enigmatic personality. The film is unflinching in showing Warren’s defenses and her discomfort with personal topics, yet manages to make us empathize with her solitude and her devotion to her craft.
Warren's complicated relationship with her mother adds a poignant layer, serving as both a source of pain and motivation. This narrative choice sets the documentary apart, making it a profound exploration of how early familial relationships shape creative drive. Kargman weaves these elements together smoothly, balancing the film’s emotional beats with plenty of humor and behind-the-scenes glimpses into Warren’s career.
The film’s pace benefits from the gradual reveals that peel back Warren's guarded persona. The sense of humor Warren brings—whether mocking industry expectations or her own creative process—helps to counterbalance the heavier aspects of her story, making the film both moving and entertaining. Despite her guardedness, the vulnerability she shows regarding her mother’s lack of belief in her adds an emotional punch, especially during her acceptance of the honorary Oscar in 2022.
Diane Warren: Relentless is a compelling and complex look at one of the most prolific songwriters in history. While not overly focused on her creative process, the film succeeds in presenting Warren as a layered human being—one whose unrelenting pursuit of success is driven by a deep need for love and validation. “Diane’s hustle is on another level,” Kargman said. “It shows you can doubt yourself and still be relentless in pursuit of your goals.” Diane Warren’s story is one of perseverance, vulnerability, and unwavering talent, making Relentless a poignant and inspirational watch.
Warren’s journey is at once raw and inspiring. Her relentless pursuit of an Oscar is not just a desire for industry validation but an emotional endeavor shaped by her complex relationship with her mother. Kargman’s careful and thoughtful direction peels away Warren’s guarded exterior, showing an artist who is both immensely talented and achingly human. Diane Warren: Relentless is an evocative portrait of resilience and artistry that’s sure to resonate.
TCG Score: ☆☆☆☆ [4/5]
DIANE WARREN: RELENTLESS IS IN THEATERS BEGINNING JAN. 10
STREAMING ON MASTERCLASS STARTING JAN. 16
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