Karen Carpenter: Starving For Perfection - Sedona International Film Festival Live Discussion / Q&A

Recorded live stream of Writer Randy Schmidt, Drummer and Karen's friend Frankie Chavez and Executive Producer Andy Streitfeld who discuss the new documentary and answer questions from the audience at Sedona International Film Festival 2023.
karencarpenter...

[@eisenjocasaclang1701]

Tnx Billy. It's because of people like you that Karen will always be around for a long time

[@carpentersism]

Thank you Eisen, that's so very kind of you to say.

[@nirmalsuki]

Karen didn't need to strive for perfection. She WAS perfection.

[@eiriswatkins2335]

I've been a fan of the Carpenters since the 1990 greatest hits album was released when I was a teenager. I was severely depressed and anxious at this point and their music saved my life. Thank you so very much. Karen's voice is amazing and timeless. All the very best and love from Wales UK.

[@adriandowningiii8395]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts here. Karen's dad's father's side (the Carpenters) lived in Surrey UK (Great grandmother Susan [Seal] Carpenter, uncle Jack and his wife [Gladys?], uncles Joe and Charlie, aunts Florence and Rose as well as uncle Richard and aunt Mary Carpenter too). Happy to hear that you are doing better with your problems and that you are feeling better now.

[@raymondsharpe4638]

Thank you for keeping this legacy alive. KC is the greatest female voice of the 20th century!

[@ChuckHackney]

In 1970 a young 16 year old eastern North Carolinian was hangin' out with friends on a hot July evening. My friends loved rock, as did I, but unlike them, I had appreciated great voices and beautiful music. Her voice singing Close to You came on, and, for the first time, I was hearing it. My friends demanded i change the channel and not listen to "sissy" music. I resisted and somehow, they let me hear the full song. My soul and spirit were gobsmacked. I heard, for the first time, what one of Gid's angels sounded like. It touched me in ways I am still trying to understand today at 69. I cried like a baby when I heard she died. I still weep when I hear certain songs. In spite of my friends, i fell in love with a woman I never knew. And I am still in love today. God bless all of you for keeping her name, voice and spirit alive. In 2023, we have never needed this woman's voice and spirit more than now. God bless always, Chuck in NC

[@ChuckHackney]

My mom was like your mom and dad. They loved all my friends. She welcomed them into the household warmly. Karen reoresents such a heart wrenching tale of a beautiful supremely talented woman who never saw herself the way we did. What a cautionary tale to all of us who struggle with self image issues. RIP Karen. You will be loved eternally and by countless generations to come.

[@abbett]

Loved this! And the singing at the end made me cry, seeing so many people knowing, loving, and singing her song. Karen's spirit was definitely there and is here in this video. ❤

[@jamezing]

Thanks Billy for sharing this precious footage! I had no idea that they were making a documentary, so thanks for continuing to keep our interest in Karen alive and for sharing your treasures too!

[@carpentersism]

You're very welcome Jamezing, thank you too.

[@gregman1715]

I Know Karen Is Looking Down From Heaven With That Beautiful Smile Of Her's We Love You Karen Now And Forever ❤️💔

[@natalielove6934]

I'm so glad you guys are doing this. Karen was the reason the Carpenters were successful. I live in the UK and am looking forward to this documentary that tells the unadulterated truth for a change.

[@cherylw9526]

Thanks for the upload, Billy! Really enjoyed it 🙂❤️

[@carpentersism]

Me too Cheryl, that's why I just had to share it here!

[@judyannlemay618]

Oh My Gosh!! The ending of this Q&A interview was Sublime…Really Tuggs on the OLe HeaRt Strings ;] GOD BLESS Karen & Richard Carpenter…Thank you for All the Fabulous Music!! My Favorite Carpenter song is ‘SING’ Marvellous,Outstanding Audience…Karen would have LOVED it!! ;]

[@sundynightlive]

Thank you for this! I bought Randy’s book today after a rabbit hole KZbin search on the Carpenters

[@johnholliday5874]

If you watch and listen to the closing medley in their 1980 TV special, she had matured so much, her voice, her stage presence, in the ten years since Close to You, she would have gone on to be recognized as a major talent on the level of Streisand and Ronstadt.

[@ChuckHackney]

Karen Carpenter❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ for all time.

[@Sergigrinkovvolponyfan]

I know Randy. He is such a sweetheart!

[@gabrielainda3536]

Thank you Billy, I'm waiting to see the film, I wish I could see it in a theatre.

[@conceicaoferraz1785]

Thanks Billy,applauses from Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏👏👏👏

[@vpwb]

It sounds great. I hope to see it soon!!

[@juniperfall]

Very sweet and moving - what a beautiful honoring of her!

[@vpwb]

I have been a fan since the 70's. I have the book, and was on the mailing list. Thanks again!

[@PerAllwin1963]

Guy mentions Tom Burris. I’m surprised people didn’t boo.

[@davidsheriff9274]

I was thinking the same thing. My guess is that most of the audience were people that were just checking out different movies at the film festival and thought this might be interesting. and didn't really know that much about Karen. If this had been a Karen Carpenter fan club meeting and someone mentioned his name, it would have caused a riot. There is actually a Facebook account under his name with a bunch of old pictures with him and Karen, I wonder if it is actually his account, It's hard to believe that he would have the chutzpah to do that knowing how Karen's fans feel about him, but who knows?

[@DanielDyer-xr3nh]

I agree. Tom Burris isn't worth mentioning.

[@ckrtom2]

Big Carpenters fan here, live in Arizona, know Sedona well! It might have been nice to attend this if I’d known about it, although I’m sure the cost for me would’ve been exorbitant. I wonder if in time this film will see wider release in art theaters and such. I’m thinking and hoping so!

[@listener-kv8rr]

Dziękuję! Dobra robota!

[@ChuckHackney]

I have always wondered about her mother. Also i love Richard but wonder how much he drove Karen beyond acceptable limits. Not condemning him, what is past us past. But I just wonder. And still shed a tear.......

[@jleechadwick]

I can't believe that a parent could be so cold. Your child is dying and you can't tell her that you love her before she dies?

[@PerAllwin1963]

13:18. Interesting bit about Karen’s family, particularly about her mother.

[@ericmartin9296]

with a mother like Agnes Dearest, I can see why turned out the way she did

[@GOFONG]

I was wondering why wasn’t Dionne Warwick. Petula Clark, Tom jones, Dorothy hamill. or Peggy Fleming and John Davison interviewed

[@vpwb]

Thanks for the upload, Billy!

[@stevengrbavac1]

God bless Mr. Chavez for teaching Karen on how to play drums, he represents the best of Karen... find it a coincidence that they are in Sedona where her ex-husband is living

[@raymondsharpe4638]

That singalong made me cry

[@cherylb2008]

12:45 oof Good to have the veil pulled back a little

[@michaelbarlow6610]

The key question that one of the audience members in this video discussion of the documentary video, "Starving For Perfection" (about the phenomenal singer Karen Carpenter) who asked what medications Karen Carpenter was taking, failed to ask is why were the doctors who improperly/unethically prescribed ipecac syrup and synthroid medication for Karen Carpenter when she had a healthy thyroid gland and absolutely no need for thyroid medication and definitely no need to take anti-poisoning medication(ipecac syrup - which is also called ementine) from a health standpoint have not lost their licenses to practice medicine and have never been arrested, charged and prosecuted for the wrongful death of Karen Carpenter!?

[@Accomandoc]

You could get Ipecac well into the 2000’s on the shelf at any Walgreens! I had a horrible problem with it!

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

I don’t see screenings scheduled for New York on the site yet. I need to see this. Any plans for NY??

[@robertpiarulli6230]

I sure hope so

[@dannyhamilton7199]

Many are not going to like what i have too say but...Anorexia is caused by "a woman who claims she had cured many." It is mainly caused by a serious low self esteem of one's self! It is Usually caused by lack of concern of how important they are around others esp. those who should really care about them. We already know about how her mother who cared more about Richard over her and did it go further? Now, I am a musician and wanting to get into the "good ole boys club" there is some truth about selling your soul! Still, My question is....why did not Richard not comment on this? Opinion.....He loved the spot light and even with his abilities, he would of not ever/never made it as big as he did! He even took away one of her closest "loves" which was her playing the drums so she could be out front. Yeah, her voice was amazing and one of the best as she sang to our souls but, you really had to take away one of her "probably first loves?" I can be sympathic for am also a drummer who loves it and it was my first "anchor" to self esteem. Question is...What else did you take away from her as to lose respect for herself? Everyone who says that they knew her and even others who observed her? Something much deeper was involved in her destructive self esteem as her brother seemed too worshiped fame and glory over her. This is just an observation but If he didn't, why not tell the truth of what happened to her? Skeletons in the closet.....that is not a myth but a fact of reality in most if not in all of our lives. Including hers!

[@adriandowningiii8395]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. How is someone to know what someone is thinking if they don't share it? I knew Karen to be very humble but also Karen had high self esteem. It is people that are arrogant that have low self esteem usually. Karen actually took the Myers-Briggs personality test back in the day and she was an INFJ-A type personality. Karen, the real person, was actually introverted and was not one to base her decisions on what was popular let alone what others thought. Karen actually had an internal set of rules she lived by. The opinions you have are based on the information you have just as the opinions I have are based from the information I have. Most of the information I have about Karen came from Karen as I was around Karen from September 6, 1978 to June 22, 1979 then June 12, 1981 to June 20, 1981 then a phone call on February 3, 1983 at about 5 PM Pacific Time. Richard has told the truth as best as he can. There are a couple things blocked by legal issues that Richard couldn't talk about. The other part, Richard has NEVER put words in Karen's mouth that Karen never said nor has Richard ever said that Karen had thoughts that Karen never had. Richard has a clear conscience on that. I can't say the same for others. The way I try to put this to people as best as possible is that Karen Carpenter is the one that knew the most about Karen Carpenter and without her to personally say or answer, some questions can not be answered. With that being said, be very wary of those that say they have all the answers. Richard has said, "I don't know, if I did I would say" several times as some things only Karen can answer. Be very wary of those that can not say the words "I don't know". Everyone that says they know everything there is to know about a person that has passed away is a liar. Karen isn't around anymore to ask and it is Karen's words that are what should matter, not anyone else's. If I had a nickel for every time I saw someone put words in Karen's mouth or thoughts in Karen's head that Karen never had, I would be a trillionaire but if based on what Richard has said and done I would be penniless and flat broke.

[@dannyhamilton7199]

Adrian it's not that I disagree with what you're saying as low self-esteem can brings on arrogance in someone but I don't believe that is always the case. You cannot put everyone's issue's in the same category as one size fits all. Many react differently as, for example, when you have the mental disease anorexia and what you see in the mirror, you are just not happy with yourself. My question is why?? I don't know the name of the lady who claimed she could cure anorexia but she said every person she worked with, they came out of it because she found their low self-esteem was the problem and she would tell them (regularly) that they are loved and have much worth amongst other things as to build their self-esteem. I'm sure you can find her name on the internet for I read this many years ago! Now personally, as to speaking when I was much younger I did have low self-esteem with myself. When I picked up the drums at age 14 it changed me. Music showed me I had many abilities that I never knew existed. My point is when you enjoy something and you know you do it well it levels the playing field within yourself. Now When I watch Karen Carpenter play drums she's had a smile ear-to-ear! You can tell it's one of her first loves for sure. Now a question i have is when she spoke up for herself did she believe in herself and stand her ground or did she find the path of least resistance? That I cannot answer. Would she stand by her personal feelings and beliefs? Again, That I cannot answer But, this I do know in that if you cannot say NO to other people? You are controlled and you are being led down a path where you did not really want to go. And when you are controlled you are not respected for whom you are. And that will cause emotional issues. I'm not saying this was Karen's problem but I have lived long enough to know that this is a fact and I don't have to be a shrink/ psychiatrist to understand human nature and human feelings as i am a musician and a singer/song writer and music is based on emotion. Without it, your song writing abilities will suffer greatly. My point is not everything is based on Logic And when it comes to the situation of the Carpenters, I basically go by some of the things I read and not just her fan but her friends. Now are they factual? Did her mother actually show more love towards Richard and low levels of love towards her daughter? Do I just take that as a rumor that's been said quite a few times? Now if it is true....I can guarantee you it would of affected her emotionally! Especially if all you ever really wanted was to be loved and to have their approval. Especially from your parents and family. Again, it's not that I don't agree to some degree with what you said but there's always exceptions to all rules! Especially a mental disease that could basically be based on your emotional view of yourself.

[@adriandowningiii8395]

@@dannyhamilton7199 thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Much appreciated and sharing is how we all learn about each other. The tough part with Karen is that she was a celebrity and she passed away leaving more questions than answers as Karen's passing was sudden and unexpected even to Karen, herself. Well, almost, Karen did know she had a short lifeline on her palm (about an inch and a quarter long), but is that accurate? Believe it or not, it actually does appear to be accurate, however, for people to argue that there isn't a destiny or a God or such, people need to ignore that and not acknowledge it. As far as Karen's passing, Karen passed away because her blood sugar skyrocketed in a short period of time and Karen's blood sugar level went up to over 1100 which caused her heart to stop beating which was why Karen passed away when she did. As far as drugs and ipecac and such, nope. The only drug found in Karen's system was butalbital which is a headache medicine (not sure if found in Pamprin or Midol but Karen had started her cycle at the time). Not sure why Karen's blood sugar level skyrocketed when it did, that is the mystery there. Karen had only had a shrimp salad and tacos on the night before which shouldn't have caused a blood sugar spike. Karen also had a tattoo removed recently and had contracted hepatitis from the removal (needle marks in groin area). But it wasn't a bad heart or such but the high blood sugar level. But also, you don't see diabetes being mentioned but the truth is that Karen passed away from hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and her heart never exploded or such. As far as Karen's self esteem, Karen was an INFJ-A Myers-Briggs type personality which is a huge discussion all in itself. Karen was actually very introverted and self reliant. Karen lived by a set of internal rules (which each person has their own experiences and are unique). Karen was public in her career but she was actually very introverted and wasn't reliant on others' opinions or such. She was very internal and brushed off the external stuff. As far as Karen and her mom, Karen had actually told me that she had more secrets she shared between her and her mom than she had secrets with Richard. They were actually very close but not 'lesbians' and touchy feely and such. Like her dad, Karen's mom didn't talk that much either. Karen's mom was always the type that liked to listen to other people's problems and try to help out as best as possible. The 'Dear Abby' type. But to explain, Karen's middle name came from her great great grandmother (Sarah Anne [Nash] Carpenter) as Karen's mom and dad knew that Karen came about after an incident between them in a Nash Rambler in 1949 I believe. Karen's first name came from as after getting pregnant, Karen's mom remembered that she had a best friend growing up named Karen but mom had lost contact with Karen as they both got older. So Karen was named after her mom's best friend growing up. In actuality, that anorexic profile stuff is why all that nastiness about her mom and brother and dad and such. You never hear that Richard was actually a middle child with an older cousin (Joanie) and a younger sister. More story than fact after Karen passed away. Not by her brother or family or such, but by those trying to support a faulty profile based on Queen Elizabeth II of England for anorexia. Just a big mess over the years. As far as her anorexia, that is a huge discussion and has many layers to it. It was both physical and thought as well. As far as the anorexia lady fixing Karen, nope. Karen's mom had an idea of Karen weighing herself once a week (Friday mornings) and from that idea, Karen had kept a steady weight of around 108 pounds from November 1982 until Karen passed away at 108 pounds in February 1983. From anorexics, themselves, I have heard that the two best ideas that appear to help anorexics most is weighing yourself only once a week and don't look in a mirror. Oops, back to self esteem. That would be a huge discussion which wouldn't fit in 10,000 words or less. Karen was an INFJ-A and didn't have self esteem issues actually. Karen prided herself on being different. So Karen was never one to try and fit in or be like everyone else or popular or such. Karen loved being herself whatever that may be. People change as they learn more and life is a learning experience. The Ativan pills were actually Richard's out of Richard's red jogging suit and not Karen's. The expire date on the bottle was 1/10/83 which was 4 years from Richard being admitted into Meninger's clinic on 1/10/79. Ev Wallace was the one who picked up the red jogging suit from the hospital that the paramedics grabbed when they took Karen to the hospital on 2/4/83. Karen was never diagnosed with depression and the pills were Richard's for his Quaalude withdrawal DTs (shakes). Yup, hope this posts. And exactly, I agree that everyone is different. The more people share instead of thinking they have all the answers, the more obvious it becomes that we're all unique in our own ways. And as you already know, Karen was the one that knew the most about herself.

[@Moncayowind]

Her brother was an excellent songwriter and arranger. Karen had an excellent sense of timing and rhythm, and an incredible voice which she used with extraordinary ability and seemingly with the greatest of ease. Her voice was, in my opinion, was what made the big difference in the Carpenters. Even before seeing this movie, I know that her mom was the controlling sort, with a very decided and definite preference for her son, and it's not difficult to imagine Karen being belittled by her mother "because after all, it's Richard who writes the songs and makes the arrangements, you just batter away on the drums and sing, he deserves 95% of the credit, not you". I know, I wasn't there and I don't have 100% certainty, and I don't want to think ill of her family, but I sure get the impression from all I've read on the subject of the Carpenters, that her anorexia was to a great extent brought on by the humilliation and contempt she apparently received from some of those of who were closest to her.

[@Moncayowind]

@@adriandowningiii8395 I read that Karen's ex divorced her and verbally likened her appearance to a "sack of bones". Not a nice thing to say. You say you are "the other Adrian" and that you met her some time later and therefore, knew her. What I don't know is the nature of your relationship with her, and what is the basis for your description of her relationship with her mother. I'd like to know that basis, if possible. Since you knew her well enough to say what you've said about Karen and her family, I'd like to know what you think about the root cause of her anorexia, as I imagine you have formed an opinion in this regard based on personal experience and observation, whether or not it's in line with the "official manual" on the subject.

[@ChuckHackney]

I am definitely one of those diehards, too. How do I get in touch with my fellow soulmates. Any of you, please reach out to me.

[@carlocarlucci5757]

Since richard was not a part of the movie in any way, why didnt you people included all the unreleased songs, from the vault.

[@Tevoro1962]

What doctor, in their right might, would provide an Rx for Synthroid to someone who was so obviously abusing it? SMH

[@michaelbarlow6610]

Why the hell the guy sitting on the left side on the stage continually takes pictures and video of the other two speakers during this discussion about Karen Carpenter makes no sense since if he wants a video copy of the discussion he could simply buy or rent it on KZbin! It must have been an annoyance for Randy Schmidt and Karen Carpenter's childhood friend to have to speak while the third guy keeps constantly photographing them during the discussion!

[@SeamusMcGillicuddy0]

He thinks he is an “artiste”

[@ericschaffer3400]

Add to Beauty... Trust Merlin says... Pixie pixel Dustin Hoffman Dust Blowing in the wind The tide... Ebbing The webbing Of other's Mistress misery miserly Miss Trussed Fair Maiden Maid Marry on From whom Shall you choose From the knight's Round and round Merry go 🎠 Care, oh sell Rescue me With a Few Good Men And catch me Catalogue With a monologue Of beauty Called Truth Sang by a songbird Called a stolen youth

[@ericschaffer3400]

Beauty and the BEAST Called sin sin Insincere Silence. Violence... Of a bird No do do do do dough BREAD$ cuticle I found your diary underneath a tree 🌳 And started reading About me The words she'd written took me by surprise You'd never guess it from her coal blackened eyes And that dark dark knight! Shining in gold gilded plated Armour that said... I feel your pain And you... Are dutiful Wit grace... Out of place Is are can you be My Cinderella Miss phonetic Phoebe?

[@MsBackstager]

Too bad that there, most likely, wasn't group therapy back then about AN -- so that they could share their stores and care about one another.

[@January.]

It's a shame no one can speak English correctly anymore, and everyone begins a statement or conversation saying "Soooooooo...."

[@cd72]

I thought Itchy Ramone said Agnes held Karen in the therapy session....and that the electricity was so high!

[@cd72]

Hugged. I read that Agnes hugged Karen.

[@simonsmatthew]

Pity the guy on the left just can't sit still.

[@January.]

ummm x 1000

[@SuiGenerisMan]

I don't like that author and I hated his book. I live near him and I hope I run into him in the grocery store so I can tell him his book sucked, thank goodness you didn't quit teaching elementary school. Don't buy his book or watch his shtty documentary. He's the only financial benefactor. ,.It was a hit piece on the family, shrill tone against Richard, focused on mudslinged and family drama but the music was just glossed over. I am so sick of people exploiting and discussing her god damn eating disorder. It reduces her and she'd HATE that fr iggn book - who wouldn't. It's gawking, judgemental, exploitative trash, I wish I could go back in time and not buy it. I threw it in the trash. THANK GOD someone wrote a book about the music that doesn't discuss eating disorders and fcking Qualeudes.

[@PerAllwin1963]

20:37. I think that’s an unfair statement about Karen’s father. With such a demanding overpowering mother like Agnes, how can any person in a relationship with her deal with that?