Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary

I'm a big music fan, and when I was younger, I had formal piano lessons and was exposed to different genres of music-I'd listen to anything from Mozart to The Zombies. Though I only knew a few songs of the band, those songs I really loved. I was happy when I learned this music doc was screening in my city, and though it screened a bit of a later time than I'm used to normally when I watch movies at the cinemas, this one kept me glued to the big screen from start to finish. It's such an amazing story of an uber-talented band who really deserved more than they got, and their fascinating story was told magnificently through this doc directed by Robert Schwartzman, who turns out is a big fan of the band. He was the perfect choice for this project, given his background in music and film (though to this day he is still best known as Michael Moscovitz in "The Princess Diaries.") You could tell Robert truly put his passion for storytelling and musical expertise to put together this doc, and I think there should be an unwritten rule that music docs should be handled by artists who actually has a music career of their own. Hope it serves as an inspiration to aspiring bands out there.

Filmmaker Robert Schwartzman brings audiences an inside look at the legendary rock band The Zombies. Their contributions to the 60's British Invasion and notoriety weren't fully realized until their entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame almost 50 years after their #1 chart topping single, "Time of the Season". An official selection at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in 2023, the film is now starting a theatrical tour across the country starting in New York, Los Angeles and other cities this spring. The illustrious music journalist Matt Pinfield joined Schwartzman and Colin Blunstone for an intimate Q&A panel after the film screening at the legendary Quad Cinema in Greenwich Village, NYC. The film showcases interviews with the original surviving members, Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Hugh Grundy, and Chris White with photos of archival footage of the late Paul Atkinson.

Hung Up on a Dream is a thoughtfully crafted documentary that weaves together a rich tapestry of archival photographs, vintage film footage, and rare audio recordings spanning more than five decades. Through this carefully curated collection, the film offers a vivid and immersive journey into the evolution of The Zombies, tracing their origins, rise to fame, and lasting influence on the music of the 1960s. Director Robert Schwartzman delivers more than just a nostalgic tribute-he creates a resonant and emotionally engaging portrait that honors the band's artistic achievements and enduring legacy. By blending intimate storytelling with historical context, Schwartzman succeeds in celebrating not only the music but also the spirit and innovation that defined a transformative era in rock history. The Zombies disbanded before they could witness the delayed acclaim of their seminal 1968 album Odessey and Oracle, highlighting the often-unforgiving nature of the business despite the brilliance of their work.

Hung Up on a Dream is more than just a documentary-it's a heartfelt homage to one of the most underrated yet influential bands of the British Invasion. With Robert Schwartzman's thoughtful direction and a treasure trove of archival material, the film not only chronicles The Zombies' journey, but also captures the enduring spirit and musical brilliance that finally earned them long-overdue recognition. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, this documentary is a moving, nostalgic reminder of the power of perseverance, artistry, and the timeless magic of rock 'n' roll.

The brilliant new Zombies documentary "Hung Up On A Dream" isn't your garden-variety music doc, but a story of survival and lasting friendship, seasoned with exceptional talents, a dash of serendipity, and more than one bizarre twist and turn. Director Robert Schwartzman's sensitivity to his subject(s) -- their musical brilliance as well as their always-evident humanity -- and sincere appreciation of their journey as a band and as individuals shines through every frame. The film features wonderful vintage vignettes and poignant personal stories, while relating the long and occasionally cautionary tale of 5 extraordinarily talented guys whose time of any season should have been much more celebrated from the start. I only wish it had been longer! Zombies fan or just general music lover, please go see it while you can!

I loved this deeply personal, intimate account of the British Invasion Band, The Zombies. They were very young when they first started out, and were blessed with such amazing talent, that ended up taking them on a 60 year roller coaster ride. It was both wonderful and sad to watch it unfold. I loved the way the director, Robert Schwartzman, had each of the four remaining Zombies, Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Chris White and Hugh Grundy, talk about the journey from their own perspective. I highly recommend this documentary to fans and the uninitiated alike. Hung Up On A Dream will keep you interested and wanting more.

Absolutely loved this documentary. The way the film tells the unique history of ups and downs The Zombies faced & how they are finally getting the recognition they should have gotten in the 60s. There were so many new aspects I learned about not only the band, but about Rod, Colin, Hugh, Chris, and Paul's solo careers following the break up of the band (which is so sad to see). I loved that this documentary just showcased each of the 4 remaining members, telling their story, and how they are still friends today. An absolute masterpiece! If you have a chance to go see this documentary, do it. You'll regret not seeing their story told.