Barbara Rubin And The Exploding NY Underground

Barbara Rubin And The Exploding NY Underground epitomizes the power-packed, avant-garde movement that shook the New York City art scene in the 1960s. The film is a gripping portrayal of Barbara Rubin, a fairly unknown figure credited as one of the pivotal catalysts of this movement, and her extraordinary impact on the dynamics of the art world. Directed by Chuck Smith, the 2018 documentary uncovers the path less known about Rubin's adventurous life.

The film, graced by the presence of personalities such as the iconic rockstar Bob Dylan, playwright Richard Foreman, and legendary poet Allen Ginsberg amidst its star-studded cast, propels us through the mesmerizing journey of Rubin. Her story is characterized by extreme turbulence, dynamism, creativity, and ultimately, her undying passion for artistic exploration. The viewer is shown a window into her life as a young, ambitious woman in her twenties, passionately challenging the conformist norms, pushing boundaries, and inciting a new wave of underground cinema.

Rubin, who was deliberately or inadvertently taken out of most chronicles relating to the 1960s counterculture movement, was a firebrand filmmaker who brought a distinctive and enduring vision to the fore. Her most provocative work, the double projection film "Christmas on Earth," released when she was only 18, shook the underpinnings of the art culture back in the day. It is still considered a milestone in an artistic expression that boldly challenged the traditional perceptions of sex, nudity, and freedom on the silver screen. The film attempts to recreate Rubin as a pivotal figure in this revolutionary period, a task done justice through Smith's comprehensive storytelling and his assimilation of archival footage.

As the viewers trail through Barbara's creative life, they partake in her experience in the thriving underground film scene. Rubin's relationships and interactions with notable personalities of the era, such as artists Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan, to literary figures like Allen Ginsberg, reveal the texture of her life. Her deep friendship with Ginsberg, one of the prominent figures of the Beat Generation, is a recurring theme in the film.

Bob Dylan enlivens the silver screen with his charismatic presence, reflecting upon the camaraderie and artistic interactions they had. A notable point is her bond with Ginsberg, celebrated as a father figure in the counterculture movement. Their relationship, dotted with letters and exchanges, displays the palpable mutual respect and artistic admiration, forming an intriguing part of the narrative.

Richard Foreman graces the documentary through his discussions on the 1960s counterculture and impacts Rubin's journey had on the changing art scene. He sheds light on the lesser-known edges of this influential period, enriching the cinematic experience.

The film does not shy away from exploring Rubin's later life chapters. It gracefully navigates through Rubin's personal transformation, as she leaves the film industry for a relatively obscure life, her growing interest in the Kabbalah, leading her to eventual conversion to Hasidic Judaism, and her tragically early death at age 35. Yet, it remains a celebration of Rubin's life, the influence she wielded, and the aesthetic legacy she left behind, even in her short span.

"Barbara Rubin And The Exploding NY Underground" evokes an enthralling and emotionally charged portrayal of a forgotten pioneer who had not only impacted fields of literature, music, and film but acted as a connecting cord among several artists. It's an unmissable exploration for anyone interested in the 1960s American counterculture movement, the Beat Generation, or experimental cinema. Chuck Smith, through his profound vision and artistic storytelling, resurrects Barbara Rubin's character and reestablishes her in the kaleidoscope of the New York City art scene of the turbulent '60s, reminding viewers of an unacknowledged hero in the realm of art and culture.