Grand Theft Parsons (2003) Review

Grand Theft Parsons (2003)

Grand Theft Parsons follows Phil Kaufman, friend and road manager to musician Gram Parsons, who, following Parson’s death, enlists the help of a local hippie to help him steal Parson’s body in order to honor a promise and set his soul free in the desert. 

Inspired by the bizarre true events that took place after rock musician Gram Parson’s death, Grand Theft Parsons is one of those rare wild examples where sometimes, reality is stranger than fiction. Now, while obviously, there are some creative liberties taken (this is Hollywood anyways), it’s the bits that stand out as very true that really sell this story, especially if you (like myself) are a fan of Parsons’ work. It’s a cross trekking adventure about one man’s will to fulfill his friend’s promise, no matter how many crimes he has to commit and people he has to dupe to accomplish it. 

There’s such a fascinating honesty and sincerity to it, particularly in Kaufman’s corner, that makes me wonder however, how much better this could’ve been had it just played it straight and stuck to what happened, without the unnecessary side stories and need to make this something it isn’t. It’s about the true bond of friendship and honoring a promise in death to set Parsons free, where he most felt at home, instead of throwing him in an uninspired family plot in New Orleans. There’s something about Kaufman and Parsons’ pact that is beautifully resonant. All that’s missing is that added umph that Gram’s music could’ve brought to this picture, considering how talented and heartfelt of a musician and songwriter he was. 

We get a half decent cast too, starring Christina Applegate, Marley Shelton, Robert Forster, Michael Shannon, and Johnny Knoxville. While Knoxville and Shannon have little to no chemistry whatsoever, even in their bickering, I do have to commend Knoxville’s efforts in actually acting, putting in a sincere performance that isn’t always great but definitely comes from a place of love and respect towards the real life Gram Parsons. 

Grand Theft Parsons, directed by David Caffrey, is clearly not a great movie, with some rough acting, spotty dialogue, and an overall feel that pulls like a made for TV movie, but it’s the deeper message of love, friendship, and the undying legacy of rock ‘n roll that allows it to leave a heavier impact for this Gram Parsons fan. 

6.6/10