My Father and The Man In Black

My Father and The Man In Black

Year: 2013

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Holiff

Documentary

As estranged son Jonathon returns home after his father's passing, he uncovers a trove of personal records revealing the tumultuous life of Saul Holiff, manager to Johnny Cash. Through these intimate records, Jonathon gains insight into his father's struggles, from deferred dreams in London to managing the iconic country star's demons and triumphs, exposing the profound cost of success that ultimately defined Saul's troubled legacy.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen My Father and The Man In Black yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – My Father and The Man In Black (2013)
Explore the full timeline and setting of My Father and The Man In Black (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

20th century

The film unfolds primarily during the 20th century, a period that saw the rise of popular music and cultural icons. This era was marked by significant social changes, and musicians like Johnny Cash were central figures in shaping music history, reflecting societal issues and personal struggles.

Location

Canada

The documentary highlights Canada, where Saul Holiff was born and developed his career as a music promoter. Known for its rich musical heritage, Canada has produced many influential artists and serves as a significant landscape for the music industry.

🇨🇦 Country 🎶 Music Scene

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Main Characters – My Father and The Man In Black (2013)
Meet the key characters of My Father and The Man In Black (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Saul Holiff

Saul Holiff was a complex figure, characterized by his ambition and cruel ironies in his role as a music manager. His relationship with Johnny Cash was marked by both loyalty and contention, reflecting the duality of his personal and professional life.

🎤 Music Manager 🔍 Investigation

Johnny Cash

As a legendary musician, Johnny Cash symbolized the struggles and triumphs of the artistic journey. His life was woven with themes of resilience, addiction, and reconciliation, which are explored through the lens of his relationship with Saul Holiff.

🎶 Music Icon 🤝 Complex Relationships

Jonathan Holiff

Jonathan Holiff is both the filmmaker and the son, navigating the emotional terrain of his father's life and legacy. His investigative approach reveals deep personal insights and serves as a form of catharsis, allowing him to process the intertwined fates of his father and Johnny Cash.

🎥 Filmmaker 🧠 Reflection

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Major Themes – My Father and The Man In Black (2013)
Explore the central themes of My Father and The Man In Black (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📖 Legacy

The theme of legacy runs throughout the documentary as Jonathan Holiff explores his father's impact on the music world and on his own life. The examination of diaries and audio recordings reveals the complexities of a familial legacy intertwined with fame, success, and personal demons.

🎤 Music Industry

The documentary dives deep into the music industry, showcasing the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs faced by artists and their managers. It highlights the often overlooked struggles that accompany success, including the pressures, relationships, and ethical dilemmas within the industry.

🕵️‍♂️ Discovery

Jonathan's journey of discovery is a key theme, focusing on his emotional exploration through his father's hidden writings. This quest uncovers not only personal stories but also the complexities of human relationships, revealing the nuanced nature of admiration, resentment, and familial bonds.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Similar Movies to My Father and The Man In Black
Discover movies like My Father and The Man In Black that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.