Directed by Oscar winner Alex Gibney (Going Clear, The Inventor), In Restless Dreams is the definitive musical biography of Paul Simon, one of the greatest songwriters (and performers) in the history of rock ‘n roll. Granted unprecedented access to the making of a new album, the filmmakers also show never-before-seen footage of Simon’s extraordinary career, from Simon & Garfunkel to the phenomenal global success of Simon’s solo album Graceland.
The docuseries juxtaposes Simon’s process of making a new album during the COVID-19 pandemic against archival material tracing Simon’s career and creative journey, including revelatory, previously unseen footage from such historic moments as the recording of Bridge Over Troubled Water and Graceland, Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable reunion concert in Central Park, and, 10 years later, Simon’s solo concert there, where he performed before 750,000 people.
In Restless Dreams is a meeting of two masters of their craft, a deep look into the miracle and wonder of songwriting, and an exploration of a life of singular creativity that has lost none of its curiosity, ambition, and mystery. Gibney and Simon’s conversations are enhanced by insights from such friends and creative collaborators as jazz titan Wynton Marsalis, Saturday Night Live’s Lorne Michaels, and Simon’s wife, singer Edie Brickell.
Produced by Jigsaw, Closer Media, and Anonymous Content, the docuseries is produced by Alex Gibney, David Rahtz, Erin Edeiken, and Svetlana Zill and edited by Andy Grieve. It is executive produced by Jeff Kramer, Stacey Offman, Richard Perello, Kristen Vaurio, Zhang Xin, William Horberg, Bob Xu, Joey Marra, Nick Shumaker, Jessica Grimshaw, David Levine, Michael Wright and Jill Burkhart. The deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group and AC Independent.