Ever wondered about the man behind the music, beyond the hits? Ethan Hawke takes us on an intimate journey into the soul of Merle Haggard in the powerful new documentary, ‘Highway 99.’ Discover the untold stories and complex legacy of a true country icon. What parts of Haggard’s life are you most curious about?
Ethan Hawke’s compelling new documentary, ‘Highway 99: A Double Album,’ offers a profound and tender exploration into the conflicted heart of country music legend Merle Haggard, a figure long deserving of such an in-depth cinematic tribute. This ambitious project, spanning over three hours, meticulously navigates Haggard’s intricate life and enduring musical legacy, presenting a rich tapestry of archival footage, personal narratives, and contemporary artistic interpretations.
For many fans who felt the fleeting glimpses of icons in Ken Burns’ “Country Music” documentary were insufficient, this film finally delivers the comprehensive portrait that Merle Haggard’s complex story demands. Haggard, who passed away in 2014, risked being remembered solely by novelty songs like “Okie From Muskogee,” a fate far less suitable for an artist of his profound lyrical and melodic genius. Fortunately, Hawke’s directorial vision ensures a more robust and accurate immortalization for this pivotal figure in Americana music.
The documentary, aptly titled “Highway 99,” establishes an easygoing rhythm reminiscent of Haggard’s classic train songs, reflective of his early days as a freight-hopper. Hawke masterfully maintains viewer engagement throughout the two-part film by interspersing rare archival material with dynamic performances from approximately 30 leading lights in contemporary Americana and country music. Artists ranging from Norah Jones to Jason Isbell provide acoustic covers that serve as poignant chapter stops, enriching the narrative and highlighting Haggard’s enduring influence on the broader country music landscape.
Hawke’s personal connection to Merle Haggard is evident from the outset, as he narrates driving through Bakersfield, the legend’s hometown, in his father’s old car, reminiscing about growing up with “the Hag’s” music. While a director’s involvement can sometimes overshadow the subject, Ethan Hawke demonstrates a keen understanding of when to step back, allowing Haggard’s voice and story to dominate. The Bakersfield driving shots serve a crucial filmmaking purpose, providing visual anchors for Haggard’s most revealing, often audio-only, interviews.
A central theme woven throughout “Highway 99” is Haggard’s lifelong lament for the death of his father at age nine. This profound loss deeply shaped young Merle’s early life, leading to a period of dedicated juvenile delinquency that saw him in and out of various institutions until his early twenties. The film candidly explores these challenging formative years, including his infamous presence in the audience at San Quentin during Johnny Cash’s iconic concert, illustrating the rough path that surprisingly led to a tender-hearted soul.
Despite a tumultuous youth, Merle Haggard resisted exploiting his “outlaw” past for commercial gain, a decision that speaks volumes about his character. While such a backstory would be considered prime branding today, the documentary reveals Haggard’s embarrassment about his criminal record. It was Johnny Cash who ultimately outed him as an ex-convict on his late-’60s TV show, assuring Haggard that it would be fine and even resonate with his audience, further cementing his authenticity in country music.
Hawke expertly navigates the duality of pride and shame that defined many American men of Haggard’s generation, and certainly the singer himself. Songs like “I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am” stood in stark contrast to the vulnerability expressed in “Sometimes I Hate Myself and Wish I Could Scream.” This intrinsic conflict is portrayed with sensitivity, showcasing Haggard as a man who, despite his rough exterior and five marriages, carried a deep capacity for tenderness and self-reflection, making his musical output profoundly resonant.
The film culminates with powerful insights, including the complete interview Merle Haggard gave to Ken Burns in 2014, facilitated by Rosanne Cash. Though Haggard’s labored breathing hints at his impending passing, his characteristic twinkle emerges, lighting up the screen as he speaks. Through this masterful documentary review, Ethan Hawke has successfully given a hero a heartfelt, trenchant, and long-overdue screen immortalization, ensuring that Merle Haggard’s complex legacy will be appreciated by new generations of country music enthusiasts and filmgoers alike.
