available on MGM+.

Alex Gibney’s two part documentary carefully portrays the aging artist who struggles to complete what may be his last composition in the face of physical decline. In the process, Gibney surveys the history of a brilliant career, beginning in high school, when he met his first partner in music, Art Garfunkel. Frustrated with his lack of success in the U.S., Simon has a brief but productive sojourn in London. On his return, he puts out his first and second albums. Collaborating with Garfunkel’s voice carried the songs to an ethereal level. After a somewhat bitter breakup with Garfunkel, who is lured by Mike Nichols to perform in movies, Simon goes on to learn from many other cultures, and musicians, most notably South Africans who were so essential to his album Graceland.

In the process of learning about the career, we witness Simon’s relationships, not only with Garfunkel, but also his marriages, most notably with Carrie Fisher, then finally, his current partnership with Edie Brickell, who lends some voice work to his 2023 album, Seven Psalms.

The footage of concerts brings joy, especially in South Africa, and Central Park, where the fans are exuberant in their support. Interviews with Cavett and other talk show hosts probe into his process and personal life. There are ponderous sessions as Simon attempts to record his new record, in the face of deafness in one ear.

The music is the real star and subject of the series. What does it take to keep writing, to keep evolving as a songwriter? Simon is a deep listener, and some may say appropriater of other cultures, but I say he is a constant student, as he learns how to become a better musician by listening to his superiors. When he was in high school, that meant the Everly Brothers, but by the time he reached middle age, he knew it was that banjo player in South Africa.