Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry - A Portrait of the Artist

Today we take a closer look at the new Billie Eilish documentary, ‘The World's a Little Blurry’, premiering on Apple TV+ on February 26th.
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In the blink of an eye, Billie Eilish has gone from being an aspiring musician to a five-time Grammy Award winner and global superstar with a multimillion-fan following on social media. Brilliantly capturing this incredible journey in his new documentary, award-winning director RJ Cutler returns to the podcast to discuss Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (2021). Inspired by musicals, concert films and observational cinema, the film takes an intimate look at Billie Eilish’s remarkable rise to superstardom.
RJ spent a year with Billie Eilish and her family, and what he found was an extraordinary teenage artist creating remarkable music with her brother Finneas. He also found a young woman in full control of her career with the support of those who love and respect her. Available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+ from February 26th 2021, this film is destined to become an instant classic to be revisited for many years to come.
“She’s demanding, she’s exacting, she displeases herself. Did we just describe the teenager or the artist? - R.J. Cutler
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Guest introduction and film trailer.
03:40 - What the audience can expect to see in Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry.
05:21 - How content RJ is with the final result of the film.
06:09 - The year of Billie Eilish's life captured in the film.
10:53 - The film's incredible concert footage.
14:13 - What type of audience Billie has, and the connection she has with them.
16:55 - How Billie is a genuine person rather than a created persona.
17:30 - How RJ got involved with the project.
20:58 - The innate directing skills Billie has.
24:13 - What RJ thought he would capture before shooting began.
26:50 - The amount of change that is going on in Billie’s life at the moment.
34:38 - How RJ realised on his first day of filming that Billie really was the boss.
42:06 - How Billie Eilish’s story and her art are both specific and universal.
47:45 - What is next for RJ?
Resources:
Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021): www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals...
DA Pennebaker's Don't Look Back on Factual America: www.alamopictures.co.uk/podca...
Belushi: The Brilliance and Tragedy of a Comedy Genius on Factual America: www.alamopictures.co.uk/podca...
Connect with R.J. Cutler:
Twitter: / rjcutler
Connect with Matthew Sherwood:
Facebook: / matthew.sherwood.14
LinkedIn: / matthewsherwood
Twitter: / sherwood1967
#BillieEilish #Documentary #Documentaries
▬▬ FACTUAL AMERICA PODCAST ▬▬
Factual America explores the themes that make America unique through the lens of documentaries about America. Each episode a guest chooses a film and then discusses it with host, Matthew Sherwood. Guests include leading documentary filmmakers as well as experts on the American experience.
Matthew Sherwood was born and raised in Texas. He came to the UK in 2001 to work for The Economist. Matthew has worked in journalism and publishing and has a wealth of experience writing for publications, interviewing world leaders, and chairing conferences. Formally he spent his time helping diverse audiences understand the global trends impacting upon their lives.
Emmett Glynn is the producer of Factual America. Known to many in the broadcast world, Emmett is a London-based sound designer and producer who has delivered over 100hrs of TV documentaries for Channel 5, Channel 4 and the BBC. He produces three other podcasts and is developing documentaries alongside Alamo Pictures.
▬▬ ABOUT ALAMO PICTURES ▬▬
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[@anmc312]

Billie changed my life

[@catrinsmorra2692]

Oh same dude

[@delilahpinedo7353]

same

[@b00bpill0w5]

billie saved my life

[@elxna_84]

X2

[@Strawbaeve]

Same dudeeeee

[@_sunchildd]

i’ve never needed anything more rn. i swear this doc is the only thing keeping me sane and going at this moment in my life.

[@sanai1850]

same!!!not only the doc but billie's the only thing that's keeping me going honestly.

[@_sunchildd]

@@sanai1850 hang in there love. this won’t last long- for the both of us 💓

[@Jordan_Dale]

With ya there, sister.

[@luosruoywollaws6xx162]

Same 👌

[@onlyravioli]

True

[@rooblesj]

I’m am so ready to sob, and scream, and laugh and watch it everyday. I can already feel all the emotion in it and the beauty.

[@BenTrem42]

That's about the movie. Not this interview. Yes?

[@anmc312]

I love this girl so much

[@WhyDidYouDieMichael]

I can’t believe I got to see her on her last show last year .. I was 5 steps away from her , skin was FLAWLESS , shes so beautiful in person !

[@localratnelly5334]

STAAAAWWWPPP IM SO JEALOUS ☹️🥺🥺

[@ericalexanderson3442]

who cares about her skin she makes music

[@billieq5483]

Billie has saved me so many times and she should be proud of herself for saving people🥺😔🥰

[@_sunchildd]

watching it a second time?!?!? you’ve seen it?! i’m so jealous my god

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

We know! We're very lucky!

[@_sunchildd]

@@FactualAmericaPodcast very lucky indeed! feel free to send it to me thru google drive n it will b our little secret .. hehe.. jk! not rly lol

[@mamat8184]

Congrats to this director. This documentary was so well done.

[@jimondang6067]

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary! Everything was presented in a realistic as well as positive fashion, which is great! I'm probably one of Billie's oldest fans, not in the sense of how long, but simply my ripe old age of 66! I love her music, her honesty, her humor, her love of her fans and how she sees them, not to mention her awesome smile and laughter. I think Billie may still be very young, but she seems wise beyond her years. I also have a lot of respect for her brother and parents! They are one awesome, and talented, family! The thing I find funny is that "the old man" (me) is a huge fan, but not his 2 (20 and 24) daughters aren't, which is a little unusual. I've loved music since I was 6 years old, and listen to many varieties or genres, from country to pop, from classical to rock, and take the positive from all of them. I see music as something that should be enjoyed, and not criticized like so many do!

[@alexia6326]

where can i watch it

[@janaabs3881]

Billie changed my life so much. the first time I saw and heard one of her songs I didn't really connect with it all. And now, 1,5 year later I have a hole other vision on life, on everything. She safed my life, and I'll never have so much respect for someone else like I have for her. I can't live without her and Finneas in my life helping me trough everything.

[@parkviewmo]

He makes it clear that "Billie's the boss!" I think that is something I respect so much about her. i am 69 years old, and I find this young woman an inspiration. I am so glad she has a good family and the support of Finneas talent and skills, but she has a vision of what she wants and pays her own price to accomplish it. The music is magic!

[@yourmom.9717]

billie changed the way i look at life, and changed how i viewed the world. she changed me.

[@YourMakeupBrushaksjsndnxk]

Billie: hey r u guys ok? Y’all need to be ok cause y’all r the reason I’m ok ok? Me: yes Billie, to make u feel ok I’ll feel ok

[@MeryGomezBurgos]

Billie changed and saved so many lives thanks to sharing her story... This documentary is incredibly amazing and supportive... She opened her heart and made us love her more than ever. Te amo Billie Eilish 🔥

[@davegriffmusic]

She is awesome in every way. Greatest artist of her generation.

[@fuckhope6201]

she doesn’t know it but she changed my life. She saved me. She’s part of the reason i’m still here. And i’m so incredibly thankful.

[@moenae6849]

She is so amazing. I’m so thankful for Billie Eilish

[@faithm8629]

she’s so amazing

[@scream_films]

This is definitely one of my all time favorite movies. I love Billie and all that she had accomplished. I love her brother and her parents. Ahh all the love xxx

[@lucypengelly4047]

since i watched the doc my motivation to make my art has been revolutionised. billie is my inspiration.

[@blohshies1772]

POV your here a day before it releases

[@YourMakeupBrushaksjsndnxk]

To be honest, everything about her is mesmerizing

[@blohshies1772]

TOMORROWWWW I- OMGGGG

[@billierehab]

Billie Eilish my everything 😭😭💞💞💞💞💞

[@Em-ye1nu]

This doc made me cry. Shes an inspiration and is such a real person. Props.

[@ashley5758]

I agree with her mom it's hard for teenagers, it was hard when I was a teen. If I would have had her I would have felt a lot better back then. At least I have her now which is also wonderful. Not everyone understands her but that girl has a heart of gold.

[@zeezee4040]

I’m so excited to see this doc

[@sahorycielo01]

I wanna cry

[@addisynandreaa4654]

i need this more than anything right now

[@chromehvrted]

I just watched it last night and I cried like 4 times 😭💚

[@emiwrightx]

HOW DO I WATCH ITTTTT

[@timothee2383]

We should be friends I love Billie and Sasha sm!!

[@kasy7349]

I am so excited for this documentary!!!

[@daisymaegordon1584]

Every time this girl does it! She hits so differently. Her vibe is contagious much love to her ❤️ she's my best mate and she don't know it 😂

[@fotinipapachristodoulou84]

GOD I LOVE HER SO MUCH OMIGOD-

[@selenaselenaselenaselenape7939]

Thank you for this film.

[@aprilr7280]

Oh wow I'm sharing this to my fb. Love billie

[@jlaia]

MY GOD...I am going to cry so much watching. I already cried with the trailer T.T

[@crismdn9023]

I love billie

[@Genesis-il4mv]

I'm excited for the doc its crazy how it coming literally tomorrow

[@Thejoshuahess]

6pm PT

[@laurenamador5277]

@@Thejoshuahess do you have to have Apple TV

[@JoDee172]

Haven't started watching this vid yet, but I just watched the trailer and let me just say as a parent of a teen I literally burst into tears and I was barely halfway through - I absolutely adore her she's incredible but how am I going to get through the whole movie if I couldn't hold it together through 2 minutes?

[@danielsouzx]

I Love so much billie 💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@lovelylayla2803]

OMG I remember when I found her 4 years ago it’s crazy like as if we grew up together we watched her grow sm as we grew with her

[@eloise2872]

Billie is the best person I have ever been able to love. She means everything to me. One day she’ll know my love for her and her family. She has never failed to make me laugh or smile through the past 5 or 6 years I’ve been a fan.

[@gossipgal1418]

It is a stunning piece! Loved it!!

[@mizzwanned]

It's sooooo good! Really gives an insight into her life and the emotions she goes through as a normal human being, that people do not see her as.

[@DawnProductionsss]

i love billie eilish shes my everything. I literally just made a song im thirteen and she was my inspiration.

[@sbroggie]

Can't wait.

[@sb.yourstruly]

It is so crazy how amazing, relatable and inspiring she is. I truly love her and am so happy to see her back! I hope she was able to heal her ankles during this pandemic. I’ll be first in line when she’s back performing!! Whoop 🙌 ❤️

[@jordansimoneclarke]

This doc was amazing

[@ashleyistoobroke7626]

this is gorgeous

[@dingusprime64]

i saw it in imax today beautifully done

[@kyra3483]

I wish Billie knew that she's saved me in every way.

[@ava130]

Such a fantastic film- very interesting to see more of her life. I know she was depressed but what was going on behind the scenes was heartbreaking..

[@hanadyelshebeny8698]

Ly billie 🥺❤️❤️❤️

[@hadiyahnoor2071]

This is emotional

[@thebluemoose7169]

Love this

[@saradianova664]

im watching the film over and over again and i'm a crying mess at this point

[@cicadasama]

thank you - R. J. Cutler 🖤

[@debbiegarland7124]

Just watched it, it’s dope. So pleased she has such an awesome family to help her share her talents and survive it. Finnias is wow so talented too. All the pieces are falling into place for this beautiful girl. Kia kaha x

[@jaide2957]

I loved the consit

[@77lillymartel77]

billie has changed me for the better

[@ame5667]

This make me cry

[@junior.m777]

you two are so cool

[@majopgalli]

Amazing interview!!!

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dildorakenjayeva7609]

I love billi elish

[@alyssaarreola2836]

i've only watched the first 2 min and i'm crying

[@RenaissanceAustin]

Really great podcast. The doc was freaking amazing and I am Gen x as well. She speaks to me and will continue to. I know she is a voice to her generation as well, but also I feel that Gen zers can be a little assuming and presumptious. Billie definitely has a maturity that surpasses many in her generation. Overall she is a pillar of wisdom and I OVERLY appreciate her being young and knowing what she wants and checking the adults that fell short. This IS what I love about Gen zers. They are more vocal than we were ALLOWED TO BE. Billie help me to regain my voice and my ideas and to basically realize that I was lied to by society and the adults around me.

[@alejandrooconnell6060]

Te amooooo billie 🥺💚🥺💚🥺💚🥺💚🥺💚🥺

[@hanadyelshebeny8698]

I love this video so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

We're so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting us know!

[@kayleeankrom2164]

she saved my life

[@ArtByHazel]

This is a genius way of sharing Billie’s genius. ❤️

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed!

[@lialaurenzi3976]

Ily

[@billie7969]

i watched it and i can't live the same way

[@elledanika333]

ugh I wish I could watch it😭

[@morganmoser7354]

Me too!

[@Meriale46]

I find it strange that people place the responsibility for their happiness in the hands of a musical artist. It shows the level of depression and sadness that exist in the world. Billie is so identifiable to so many people... we see her as the kid next door who deals with the same issues every girl her age goes through. And she has... she doesn't lie or try to hide who she really is and that makes her a unique individual in itself. For far too long the public has been shown only what record labels and publicist of artist want us to see.

[@coffeeandbookmealdeliveryr1328]

I can relate to billie alot because I struggle with the same thing as her with epilepsy and torrettes there is no cure for this shit an you just have to love with it

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@ellamadsen5834]

billie saved me

[@mariaeduardamariaeduardagu747]

Lindaaaaaaaaaa🇧🇷❤️❤️❤️

[@dmnick123ify]

you guys need to be okay beacause thats the reason im okay -billie eilish

[@Ess541]

"Part diety, part human" ☺️ I like that

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

We like that quote too! RJ is a wordsmith!

[@haleyharris6692]

Y’all I’m already crying wtf

[@GooGooGal316]

Boom

[@alejandrooconnell6060]

💚🥺💚🥺💚🥺💚🥺💚🥺🥺💚

[@_sunchildd]

what time does it come out on the 26th? also many assume it’s to come out on the 25th right after billie’s livestream. do you know?

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

Sorry, we don't know the exact time. But whenever it is, we can assure you it is well worth the wait!

[@zey_zey0773]

@@FactualAmericaPodcast hey i cant watch it cause in my country apple tv doesnt working where can i watch?

[@tabathabuck3010]

@@zey_zey0773 there’s some fan pages on insta live streaming it. one is @eilishlawfirm

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

@@zey_zey0773 As far as we know it is only available on Apple TV+. Check out Billie Eilish's official sites just to be safe.

[@zey_zey0773]

@@tabathabuck3010 thank you by the way it was amazing♡

[@lpsdogqueens]

I want to see the documentarie so bad but I don’t have Apple TV

[@poopy8428]

I wanna be like her one day

[@YourArtMattersCreations]

i wish there was a way for people without apple to watch this docu

[@pathanna4390]

NOT TO BE MISSED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just watched it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ayseipektasdemir7991]

Where do ı watch it it isnt in apple tv

[@pasta9469]

Where do I watch it lol?

[@danieljimenez3227]

Bruh why only Apple TV 😭😭😭😭

[@averyearley6876]

RIGHT- i dont have it :(

[@abby7212]

@@averyearley6876 same 😭😭🥺🥺

[@PercivalThe23]

are the headphones both use the 40 or the 50?

[@jaimeemorton9329]

Im so sad i cant watch it i dont have apple anything

[@abby7212]

Same 🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭😭

[@rrrrrenata]

is this the original documentary?

[@nat7original773]

If I don’t watch the premiere will it be available to watch it after the premiere? I mean will it be saved after the premiere in order for people to watch it the next day?

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

As long as you have access to Apple TV+, you will be able to watch it whenever you want.

[@nat7original773]

@@FactualAmericaPodcast Oh okay thank you very much 🙏

[@zoeeasy4603]

Like in a golden cage, she felt imprisoned in that palace with all those servants and bodyguards, and she mourned about her fate in sorrowfulLike in a golden cage, she felt imprisoned in that palace with all those servants and bodyguards, and she mourned about her fate in sorrowful.... Love to you, Billie

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

Well stated - thanks for your comment!

[@botikacso8599]

I CANT WATCH IT AND IM SO SAD

[@andreagarcia5170]

Love her so much great documentary. That part where Orlando Bloom came back to give her those extra hugs and kisses was epic. I know Katy Perry didn’t like that part once so ever.

[@_K_Rae]

RJ Cutler seems very sensitive and sympathetic to Billie as a person and an artist. However, I’m not sure that all of his ideas about her come across in the doc. Despite his comment that Billie is making all the decisions and her parents’ way of parenting her reflects this, I don’t know how well this is portrayed in the doc. At times Billie is in distress but the response from the adults around her is that ‘the show must go on.’ Yes Billie is aiming for greatness and will make sacrifices because of this, but I hope she is being well looked after too.

[@vp4744]

You missed the part where her mother regrets after the "the show must go on" episode. I can see why you're unsure when you missed a key moment.

[@kr7.00]

who has seen the doc 😌💔🖤🧚🏻‍♀️😏✋

[@kieragardner2578]

I can't bc I dont have an apple device 😭but I really want to.

[@kieragardner2578]

@Beats Beats my mother won't lemme do that😂

[@MM-ho9zy]

Is the Billie come to this live video?

[@FactualAmericaPodcast]

Unfortunately not. But the way RJ Cutler captures her life it almost felt like she was there.