For more than four decades, Diane Warren’s songs have graced our movie screens and soundtracks with memorable melodies. Known around the world for hits like “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “Because You Loved Me,” Warren’s penmanship has led to her receiving an astonishing fifteen Oscar nominations – more than any other songwriter in history. Despite this massive success, a little golden man has eluded her time and time again.
Bess Kargman’s documentary, Diane Warren: Relentless, reveals the private persona behind the public persona. Through intimate interviews and behind-the-scenes looks, we discover what drives Warren’s tireless work ethic and what fuels her competitive spirit to take home that Oscar. Renowned singers like Cher, Lady Gaga and LeAnn Rimes offer insight into collaborating with the revered hitmaker. We also meet Warren's family and friends, and gain perspectives beyond her professional accomplishments.
Director: Bess Kargman
Stars: Jerry Bruckheimer, Cher, Common
While she doesn't discuss her songwriting ability, Warren discusses personal obstacles like a troubled relationship with her mother. She talks about how a past trauma inspired an Oscar-nominated ballad. We even share tender moments with Warren's beloved pets. Through it all, her self-deprecating humor and rebellious spirit shine through. Kargman's documentary presents a nuanced portrait of one of music's most successful creatives, proving that determination and raw talent can achieve legendary status against all odds.
Diane Warren got her big break in the 1980s, writing hits like "Rhythm of the Night" for the band DeBarge. This caught the attention of music giants, leading to legendary collaborations later on. Warren has the rare talent of writing emotive lyrics that also make them enjoyable to sing. Even early in her career, her songs had that magic.
Cher still remembers when Warren first sent her a demo of “If I Could Turn Back Time,” from the 1989 film Girls. “I told him I hated it,” Cher laughs. But producer Peter Asher saw the song’s potential and envisioned Cher belting it out. I’m glad she gave it a second chance — Cher turned it into an iconic anthem. Their work on Burlesque decades later proved they make a great songwriting team, too.
Another artist who found fame with a Diane Warren song is LeAnn Rimes. Her rendition of “How Do I Live” for the 1997 blockbuster Con Air launched the 14-year-old country star into the mainstream. LeAnn still gets chills performing it live. “The words touch your soul,” she says. Warren perfectly captured the emotion of the film’s great love story between Nicolas Cage and John Cusack’s characters.
One hit after another bears Warren’s unmistakable stamp. From Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” to Armageddon to Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” and even the title track to Flamin’ Hot, her songs stay in your head and heart long after the end credits roll. Now, with over 400 songs written and 16 Oscar nominations to her name, Diane Warren is truly the queen of movie magic. Here’s to many more epic soundtrack collaborations from one of the greats.
Songwriting is a deeply personal act, but for decades Diane Warren kept her process largely shrouded in mystery. In Diane Warren: Relentless we get some rare glimpses behind the curtain. Warren doesn’t hide her distaste for questions about the “pro-cess.” While she puts on a fun, pretentious voice, it’s clear she has no interest in dissecting or analyzing magic.
Still, some revealing moments stand out. In her home studio, cluttered with papers, CDs and inspirational objects, we see where the magic begins. “I love Mondays,” Warren smiles, finding peace in the workweek routine after chaotic weekends pass. Focus and order seem key. A meeting with singer-songwriter Guy Roche, one of Warren’s few romantic partners, offers another perspective. As they go through old tapes together in a cozy recording space, their easy banter hints at the importance of connection.
Warren’s adaptability comes through, too. She recalls delivering demos so awful that artists feared working with her. Cher admits she absolutely hated the original cut of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” But Warren understands that a song can be transformed with the right artist and arrangement behind it. She worked closely with Lady Gaga to create the searing #MeToo anthem “Til It Happens to You,” and found in Gaga a kindred spirit.
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