The Daily The Cinematic Masterpiece You Won’t Get to See
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Mar 7, 2025 
In this discussion, Sasha Weiss, Deputy Editor at The New York Times Magazine, and Ezra Edelman, acclaimed filmmaker behind O.J.: Made in America, dive into the intricate journey of creating a documentary on Prince. They reveal the unseen brilliance of the film and the tension between artistic vision and estate legalities that led to its shelving. The conversation also touches on the duality of Prince's persona, the impact of streaming platforms like Netflix on creativity, and the challenges of portraying a complex legacy.
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The Vault
- Netflix approached Edelman to direct a Prince documentary, offering exclusive access to Prince's vault.
- This archive, located in Paisley Park, contained a wealth of unseen material.
Vault's Contents
- The vault contained performance footage but lacked candid material, hindering a deeper understanding of Prince.
- Any candid footage seemed deliberately damaged.
Unveiling the Man
- Edelman interviewed over 75 people in Prince's life, encountering reluctance and protectiveness.
- This revealed a complex, tortured individual alongside the musical genius.