Watch Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is a 2007 documentary film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, which chronicles the illustrious career of the iconic American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The film is about four hours long and is divided into four parts, each dealing with a specific period of the band's career. The first part, titled "Gatorville," covers the early years of the band, from their formation in Gainesville, Florida, in the late 1970s, to their move to Los Angeles and their breakthrough single "Breakdown."

The second part, "Refugee," covers the period from the release of the band's breakthrough album Damn the Torpedoes in 1979 to the end of their tenure at MCA Records in 1990. This period saw the band release several classic albums, including Hard Promises, Long After Dark, and Southern Accents.

The third part, titled "Southern Accents," covers the period from the band's move to Warner Bros. Records in the early 1990s to the release of their 1999 album Echo. This period saw the band's sound evolve and mature, culminating in some of their finest work in albums such as Wildflowers and Into the Great Wide Open.

Finally, the fourth part, titled "Running Down a Dream," covers the period from the release of the band's 2002 album The Last DJ to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. This part of the film also deals with Petty's solo work, including his collaboration with the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and his iconic song "Free Fallin'."

Throughout the film, various musicians and celebrities, including Eddie Vedder, Dave Grohl, and Johnny Depp, share their thoughts and memories of Petty and the Heartbreakers. The film also features plenty of concert footage, interviews with the band members, and archival footage that gives the viewer a sense of the band's journey and evolution over the years.

One of the strengths of the film is how it portrays Petty as a complex and multifaceted artist. While many think of him as a straightforward rock and roll songwriter, the film delves into his love of folk, country, and blues music, as well as his political activism and his role as a mentor to younger musicians. The film also includes interviews with Petty himself, who comes across as thoughtful, articulate, and deeply passionate about his music.

Another strong aspect of the film is its pacing and structure. Despite its length, the film never feels overstuffed or rushed. The four-part structure makes it easy to digest, and the way each section focuses on a specific period of the band's career makes it easy for viewers to follow along and understand the band's trajectory.

Overall, Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is a must-see for any fan of the band or of rock music in general. Its thoroughness, depth, and attention to detail make it one of the most comprehensive and engaging rock documentaries ever made.