Karen Carpenter: Goodbye to Love (2016 TV Movie) User Reviews

Ok of its sort

[neil-476 · 7/10 · 30 June 2018]

This is 2 hour docu-drama which tells Karen Carpenter's tragic story. It features a combination of archive footage and stills with a narrative voiceover, intercut with dramatised scenes featuring lookalike actors.

I say "lookalike" but, with the exception of the actress playing Karen, none of them look very much like the people they are portraying.

This perhaps doesn't matter too much because the story - a sad, sad true story - is the thing which matters. And, of course, we know the ending.

I think if a young person discovers the wonder of Karen Carpenter's voice and then immediately watches this, learning her story for the first time, they may well be devastated.

This production is not brilliant, but the story is still moving.

The most truthful and comprehensive Carpenters story

[msvarniej · 8/10 · 9 November 2023]

As a long time fan of the Carpenters, I overall think the main goal of this film is to give some reality to their story which is surely does, but overdramatic for a type of shock value, which i thinkjust lessens the film rather than adds to it. Howeverer, I am always interested in any and all films about them because it does add a "face" to the facts. There are a few scenes that are a little more real than is necessary though. It is not necessary to show every pang of discomfort and convulsive reactions.

It is very interesting for certain realities to be portrayed that have not been portrayed in previous films, even though i am sure it is not appreciated by members of the family in todays world. Realities are addressed such as the true colors of Karens husband, as well as the conflicts that existed in her relationships with her brother and especially her mother.

I am sure there were times of joy for her even though overall not many are portrayed .

All in all, this is one of the bestdocumentarries available showing a step by step review and reenactments of the famous pair along with film clips and interviews of people who knew them.

Terrible

[IslaSkye · 1/10 · 30 August 2020]

I really looked forward to seeing this documentary but was very disappointed in the all of the inaccuracies and the choice of using Carole Curb Nemoy of all people as a contributor. This was about sensational rather than giving additional insight into Karen's life.