Diving into the melodic universe of Joan Baez, the enthralling documentary "I Am a Noise" presents an intimately forthright exploration into the renowned singer's life and legacy, inviting viewers into her melodious world, which has resonated with multitudes globally and perpetually influenced several artists, including the likes of Taylor Swift. Originating from Baez’s teenage self-penned journal, “What I Believe,” this biographical piece is helmed by directors Karen O’Connor, Miri Navasky, and Maeve O’Boyle, intertwining various footage from numerous epochs of the singer's life.

Launching with scenes of Baez collaborating with a vocal coach in anticipation of what is proclaimed as a "farewell tour," conducted in 2019 before the global onset of COVID-19, the film unveils a unified, comprehensive, and at moments, startlingly candid depiction of the artist. The narrative unfolds, overlaying personal footage, revealing stories of Baez's "beautiful" mother, scholarly father, and his fervent desire for his daughters to witness and cherish the global tapestry of diverse locales and cultures.

Baez, the imaginative, yet apprehensive child, discovered solace and an avenue of escape in the realms of guitar-playing and singing. Her adolescent years saw her embracing public performances, perceiving them both as a haven and a communal envelopment. Her relationship with audiences surfaces as a pivotal theme, as Baez herself confesses a comfort in connecting with the masses over individual relationships, saying, “I’m not very good with one-on-one relationships, I’m good with one-on-two-thousand relationships."

The film, while offering a plethora of visuals featuring Baez engaging with her audiences, surprisingly doesn’t immerse deeply into her musical performances. Baez, inevitably intertwined with socially-conscious folk music, has memories drenched in historical moments such as standing near Dr. King during his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech or nurturing a young, precociously talented Bob Dylan. Her candid remembrances of their liaison and heartbreak add a poignant, humanizing element to her public persona.

Baez acknowledges the multifaceted experiences fame afforded her, yet the documentary subtly reflects upon the elements stolen away by public life – particularly, aspects of individuality and privacy. The recurring theme and the emotional crux of the film revolve around the concept of family. The nuanced rivalry between Baez and her younger sister, Mimi Fariña, forms a compelling narrative strand, exploring their respective journeys in the folk music realm and their complex, emotionally charged relationship.

Navigating through alternating phases of euphoria, collapse, and a near-decade-long struggle with quaaludes addiction, Baez endeavors to explore the "kernel" of her internal abyss, finding that Mimi paradoxically holds the key to unlocking these emotional vaults. This revelation catalyzes a fresh, agonizing narrative chapter in the film.

Concluding with moments of Baez finding tranquility with her son Gabriel Harris, who participated in her band during the farewell performances, she portrays a commendable calm amidst profound loss. Baez’s imprint on the world is unquestionable, having arguably altered it or at a minimum, meaningfully touched a significant portion of its inhabitants. However, beneath all the accolades and impact, she too succumbs to the harsh reality articulated by Philip Larkin: “They f**k you up, your mum and dad.”