Do you feel out of place and find that life as a commoner in our society is often a preposterous endeavor?
Two such misfits are canonized in documentaries about their lives and their art. True voices of the common man, Henry “Charles” Bukowski Jr. and Robert Crumb, never seemed to have lost their strangely endearing awkwardness and anti social tendencies. Both men share much in common, mainly their utter uniqueness, and the fact that they broke new ground in their respective art forms.
Some of their other less general, and possibly more interesting, similarities are as follows: they both consciously remained uncensored while relating their ideas and autobiographical exploits. While pointing out the dark bits of our human condition, many times they allowed themselves to be the butt of the joke. Even sexuality was expressed freely and often in unflattering terms through feelings of hostility and fear of women.
The irony is that many women suddenly felt exalted and empowered by their irreverent work, in that beauty was expressed in broader terms (both figuratively and quite literally). Both men were a little late and seemingly out of touch for their debut in underground fame, at a time when hippies were taking control of the counter-culture in America. Nevertheless, both men thrived in the arena, and were even able to cash in on the “free love” movement to an extent, which only seemed as a bonus for their efforts.
One more intriguing thing I find, is that it is almost impossible to separate these artists from their work, as their lives are so infused thereof.
Bukowski: Born Into This
Buk fans rejoice! There is finally a film released that represents the man. Bukowski: Born Into This is a wonderful documentary focusing on Bukowski and his writings. There is a lot of footage of Bukowski himself, and many of the people he came to touch in his lifetime. Some highlights for me were seeing Harry Dean Stanton, Tom Waits, and Sean Penn. Additionally, there are friends and loved ones in the film who are even more insightful. It would be easy to show the man in a solely romantic fashion, but the documentary is careful to show Bukowski’s darker moments to give a more unbiased view.
This film could also serve as a mini-introduction for those who have not read his poetry, short stories or novels. So please introduce yourself to the world of Charles Bukowski, if you have not already done so, and definitely watch this documentary.
Crumb
Additionally, directed by Terry Zwigoff and produced by David Lynch, Crumb may be one of the greatest documentaries you will ever see. While recommending the film I have often added that, “it will make you appreciate your family.”
Like Charles Bukowski, Robert Crumb and his siblings had a tyrant for a father. What ensues for the viewer is a study of abnormal psychology. R. Crumb’s underground comics are amazing, but you also see his attention to detail in other works as well. This film is a truly captivating look into an eccentric individual, his family, his past lovers, and his work. A must see.
By the way, Crumb drew both images included with this article.
Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcome at cinespire@gmail.com.
