Always for Pleasure

Always for Pleasure is an integral exploration of the multi-faceted cultural temperament of New Orleans, the city that refuses to bow down to convention, carrying the spirit of thrilling exploration in its very blood. Les Blank's 1978 documentary builds a narrative that is beyond enchanting as it dives into the local music, parading traditions, and unique culinary experiences.

The film introduces us to the exotic world of New Orleans from a perspective that few have seen, let alone felt. It's a visceral slice of life that captures the city's vibrant culture, food, music, and street celebrations which make it a unique American treasure. From the exuberant jazz music to the allure of tantalizing dishes, each frame of Always for Pleasure is filled with authenticity and reverence.

Throughout the film, the director gets up close and personal with some of the city's most renowned musical legends. Kid Thomas Valentine, a traditional jazz cornet player, is one of the highlights of the documentary as he plays his heart out in front of the effervescent crowd that never fails to respond enthusiastically. Allen Toussaint, the soulful singer, songwriter, producer and an architect of the New Orleans R&B Sound, imparts a sense of timeless bliss with his powerhouse performances. There's also Blue Lu Barker, famed blues singer and songwriter, whose deep voice oozes with raw emotion and stirs the heart.

Always for Pleasure moves beyond just the artists and their performances, it takes the audience into the city's streets where festivals and 'second line' parades are a way of life. Blank brings forth the pulsating energy of the Mardi Gras Indian Tribes in their hand-beaded and feathered warrior outfits singing and competing with other tribes. There’s the St. Patrick’s Day parade where attendees throw and catch cabbages. These celebrations, an integral part of New Orleans' culture, reflect themes of community, togetherness, and a zest for life.

Amidst these celebrations, the film does not shy away from showing the other side of the city –- its hardships, poverty, and challenges. There's an unforgettable sequence of a Jazz funeral, a tradition that combines West African, French and Afro-American influences. Musicians, friends, and family march from the home of the deceased to the place of burial, playing solemn dirges to start and then moving into uplifting jazz tunes symbolizing the transitional journey from earth to heaven. This bittersweet celebration of life and death serves as a profound focal point in the film.

The narrative also delights the gastronomical sense of the viewers by presenting local culinary traditions. There’s a segment where the locals prepare crawfish boil, Creole, and other seafood dishes. Here, Blank brings the city's food culture to life with beautiful sequences of people savoring the rich and spicy Creole cuisine that is unlike anywhere else in the world. Blank dissects the important relation between food and culture in the city where eating is not merely a way to sustain, but a form of celebration in itself.

Filmed over two years in New Orleans, Always for Pleasure is not just a documentary film, but a skilfully woven patchwork of stories, traditions and soulful music that seep into your consciousness and remain there, long after the film has come to an end.

Les Blank’s aesthetic eye has captured the essence of New Orleans in all its raw reality, with its highs and lows included, which distinguishes it from other attempts. There’s an absence of a formal narration or a linear structure, yet it never loses its appeal, making it an absolute delight to watch.

Overall, Always for Pleasure is a unique commemoration of New Orleans' rich cultural heritage and local traditions. It's a tribute to the enigmatic spirit of a city that has resisted homogeneity, celebrating its distinctive identity through music, food, and riotous street parades. The joyous and resilient spirit of New Orleans reveals a unique charm andenergy that serves as the soul of this remarkable documentary.