Burroughs

Burroughs is a captivating documentary from 1983 capturing the life and work of one of the twentieth century’s most revolutionary and iconoclastic figures - William S. Burroughs. This film not only acts as a chronicle but also as a mirror into the world of an extraordinary man, a critical figure of the Beat generation, and a seminal American author known for his orginal and surreal narratives.

Directed by Howard Brookner, Burroughs is a collection of myriad moments spread over five years of shooting. The fundamental emphasis of this film extends beyond William Burroughs's literary career to his other creative endeavors and idiosyncratic worldview. Diving into Burroughs' mysticism, his provocative ideas, and his eccentric personality, the film allows the viewer a rare glimpse into the labyrinthine mind that spawned legendary works like "Naked Lunch" and "Junky."

The documentary features several intimate interviews with Burroughs, exploring his early life, his immersion in the world of drugs, his obsession with guns, and the accidental shooting of his wife, Joan Vollmer, a tragedy that cast a long shadow over his life. These moments provide a deeper understanding of Burroughs' creative journey, his struggles, triumphs, and tragedies. The film admirably resists idolizing its subject, instead, seeking an honest portrayal of his life's trajectory.

Another remarkable aspect of the film is its ability to capture the Beat generation's zeitgeist. It effortlessly traverses the cultural landscape of the time, illustrating the profound influence Burroughs and his contemporaries had on literature, music, and society at large. Fellow iconic figure Allen Ginsberg, another pioneering voice of the Beat Generation, makes multiple appearances throughout the film, enriching the narrative with his reminiscences and musings about their shared history. The presence of Herbert Huncke, the original Beat, whose hep-cat talk and street hustler life had a profound influence on Burroughs and other writers of the generation, lends a further layer of authenticity to the historical and cultural contexts explored.

The production values of Burroughs are noteworthy. Shot on 16mm film, it has a grainy quality that gives the film a raw, candid feel. The film's soundtrack, too, deserves mention, creating an evocative soundscape that enhances the storytelling, pulsating with the same unique energy that Burroughs himself embodied.

Brookner masterfully intercuts archival footage, revealing interviews, and visits to significant locales in Burroughs' life, including New York City, Florida, and Tangiers. This blend creates a montage of snapshots into the author's life and reveals a man of great complexity, wit, and dark humour. One whose worldview, rooted in his personal experiences with addiction and the law, foregrounded the outsider, the rebel.

The film's structure takes us back and forth in time, weaving a complex tapestry that serves as more than a simple biographical account. It's an exploration and celebration of the complex man and his equally complex relationships, featuring a host of colourful characters who gravitated towards his charisma. It also reveals the profound influence Burroughs had on the burgeoning counterculture and punk movement, with musician Patti Smith and artist Andy Warhol among those making appearances.

An engrossing examination of the personal and professional aspects of Burroughs' life, the film underscores his longstanding fascination with control systems - societal, linguistic, and personal. It reveals bits and pieces of the method and madness that went into his creative process and his genuinely revolutionary 'cut-up technique' of writing.

In Burroughs, the director, Howard Brookner, succeeds in painting a holistic portrait of one of the 20th century's most fascinating literary figures. The film adeptly conveys Burroughs' enduring impact on literature, pop-culture, and society - a measure of the man's stature, brilliance, and influence. Although Burroughs has passed, this film ensures his spirit, ideas, and misadventures continue to inspire, provoke, and entertain.

In conclusion, "Burroughs" is more than just a film. It's an experience, a journey into the mind of a genius, a rebel, a friend, who left an indelible mark on the world. Whether you're an avid fan of Burroughs’ work or a curious onlooker wanting to understand the man behind the myth, this film serves as an extraordinary gateway to the literary titan's life and times.

This film is a must-watch for those who appreciate the Beat Generation, desire a profound understanding of one of its key figures, or wish to delve into the depths of one of the most unique minds of contemporary literature.