Hubert Selby Jr: It'll Be Better Tomorrow

Hubert Selby Jr: It'll Be Better Tomorrow is a thoughtful and engaging 2005 documentary film that presents a detailed portrait of the life and times of Hubert Selby Jr., a renowned American writer celebrated for his gritty and honest portrayal of life in Brooklyn, New York. This film is power-packed with engaging interviews of Selby, noteworthy individuals from his life and esteemed colleagues, providing a nuanced picture of the writer's life, his writing style, and his cultural contributions.

The film balances between portraying the hardships faced by Selby — due to prolonged illness and substance abuse — and illuminating the spark and vibrancy in his writing that eventually shot him to fame. From his hardship-stricken early years to his struggle with addiction and his eventual success and impact as a writer, the steady-hand direction of the film throws light on the intense character of Hubert Selby Jr., providing audiences with an intimate look into the life of the man behind the stories.

Directed by Michael W. Dean and Kenneth Shiffrin, the film can also be seen as a tribute to Selby's dark, brutal, yet lyrical writing. It meticulously maps out Selby's creative journey, skillfully using interviews, archive footage, and excerpts from Selby’s acclaimed works. The film takes a deep dive into Selby's prolific output, including masterpieces like "Requiem for a Dream" and "Last Exit to Brooklyn."

Leading the casting in the film is Hubert Selby Jr. himself, making the film all the more personal and authentic. His frank discussions about his work, his struggles, and his view of the world bring viewers closer to his genius. Also lending their voices to the film are a bevy of well-known personalities such as the stars Susan Anton and Darren Aronofsky. Their insights and observations about Selby’s life and the effect of his works add another layer of depth to the film.

Susan Anton is featured in the film as a keen observer of Selby’s life, providing perspectives that are illuminating and heartfelt. As one of the prominent personalities known closely to Selby, her insights lend a poignant touch to the narrative and deeply enriches the viewer's understanding of the man.

Darren Aronofsky, an acclaimed filmmaker and known admirer of Selby’s works, also appears in the documentary. Having adapted Selby's novel "Requiem for a Dream" into a critically appreciated film, Aronofsky gives unique insights into Selby's work and his raw portrayal of his characters. His interpretation and understanding of Selby’s narratives add a unique flavor to the narrative of the documentary and showcase Selby's keen empathetic eye into the human condition.

"Hubert Selby Jr: It'll Be Better Tomorrow" is not just a tribute to the life and writings of a great American novelist; it’s a compassionate narration of the author’s life journey embodied with creative passion and personal tribulations. Through engaging interviews and remarkable memoirs from friends and family, the film seeks to peel back the layers of the man behind some of the most impactful literature of the twentieth century.

While the film delves into Selby's fights with addiction and disease, it never loses sight of the magic that Selby created with his pen. For avid readers of Selby and cinema enthusiasts, the film provides an irreplaceable insight into the author's experiences and life philosophy that rendered his work with an edge of brutal honesty and authentic realism.

The documentary stands as a testament to the life and struggles of a man, one who unflinchingly used his words to paint a vivid and unvarnished portrait of the human condition. It captures Selby's internal conflicts and his ongoing dialogue with despair, addiction, redemption, and ultimately, hope.

In conclusion, "Hubert Selby Jr: It'll Be Better Tomorrow" is an intimate exploration of an acclaimed author’s life and works. A riveting film that sifts through the life of a man whose rich-yet-harsh experiences nourish his work, leaving indelible marks on the annals of American literature.