Bukowski: Born Into This (2004)
His publisher describes him as, “the man of the street writing for the people on the street.” Further, that he “devoted his life to the de-dignification of all of us.” Many have described him as a drunk, a bum, a womanizer, but it almost seems as if Charles Bukowski consistently plays a character that, at one and the same time, is and is not himself. This documentary illuminates the theater of cruelty in which Bukowski plays the main character in his own life.
Bukowksi admits his father taught him the meaning of pain without reason through the beatings inflicted, which, in turn, taught him the rhythm and meter of poetry. Even the manner in which the poet spoke in his day-to-day life, held a certain cadence.
Bono states that Bukowski’s writing had a direct way about it that left no room for symbolism. Bukowski’s life reveals the artistic process in a state of nakedness that is otherwise so often obscured.
There is no question Bukowski’s writing was dirty. However, his writing had substance and was delving without any academic elitistism. Sean Penn said that his poetry is “about making mistakes in a messy world.”
While some of the archival clips are out of focus and not in the greatest condition, the editing of the film was done quite well. The film focuses more on Bukowski’s admirers than his detractors, and on his charm - “the bluebird in my heart who wants to get out” - a bit more than on his transgressions. Nonetheless, the film is an engaging and revealing portrait of an artist whose work flies in the face of convention.
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Grading
- Story NA
- Acting NA
- Visuals A-
- Originality/Innovation B+
- Enjoyability A-
- Overall A-
- DVD Extras A-
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