I am Secretly an Important Man

"I am Secretly an Important Man" is a captivating documentary released in 2010 that captures the complexity of the Pacific Northwest literary scene. Directed by Peter Sillen, the film offers viewers an insightful perspective into the life and work of Steven Jesse Bernstein, an iconic figure of the Seattle underground.

Steven Jesse Bernstein, famously known as Jesse, was a writer and performance artist renowned for his captivatingly raw and emotionally transparent storytelling. Bernstein was moulded by the turbulent society and cultural fabric of the late 20th century Seattle, often adopting controversial themes in his art. "I am Secretly an Important Man," is, therefore, an explorative journey unraveling Bernstein's life, his notorious art and his significant contribution to the contemporary counterculture.

The film artfully encapsulates Bernstein's story through compelling narration, never-seen-before footage, and thought-provoking interviews with his family, friends, and contemporaries. The director, Peter Sillen, expertly presents a tapestry of profound exploration, rendering Bernstein's life with the complexity it deserves.

Jesse's journey is outlined through the underlying themes of his art – struggle, despair, addiction, rebellion, and defiance. As the viewer progresses through the 85 minutes feature, they are introduced to a figure who used his art as a tool to rally against societal norms and to challenge the status quo. The film attempts to cover various facets of Bernstein's life and doesn't shy away from delving into his dark past. It treads the difficult terrains of his battle with drug addiction and mental health, drawing viewers into his turbulent life with the honesty it requires.

"I am Secretly an Important Man" elucidates the sub-contextual realities of an era hailed as the home of underground music and arts movement. In doing so, it provides a critique not just of the man, but of the time and place that shaped him. This approach provides a palpable understanding of the cultural wave that birthed the rebellious voices of the band Nirvana and the iconoclastic 'grunge' movement to which Seattle gave birth.

Sillen expertly incorporates archived footage of Bernstein performing his electrifying pieces, coupled with snapshots of handwritten works, letters, and pictures that evoke a sense of reflective nostalgia. These first-hand images and documents add depth and authenticity to the narrative, giving a distinctive voice to Bernstein's life and narrative. The film also features interviews with the people who knew Bernstein at close quarters or admired his work. Exploring a multitude of perspectives, the film paints an accurate picture of the vibrant yet challenging atmosphere of the underground arts scene of the 80s, of which Bernstein was an integral part.

The title of the film, drawn from one of Bernstein's poem, is both ironic and fitting. It captures the essence of his identity - a man who lived on the fringes of society, yet whose work resonated with a deep sociocultural significance. It underscores his appeal as an artist who may not have received mainstream recognition but was an important figure in the world of expressionist counterculture.

"I am Secretly an Important Man" is indeed a cinematic triumph, leaving its viewers with eclectic impressions about a time that recognizes alternative voices and communities. It paints a vivid picture of Seattle's dark and gritty counter-culture movement and the artist dare enough to dive headlong into this world. The documentary leaves lingering effects as it presents Bernstein's personal demons and societal rebellions to the viewer in an exceptionally affectionate and insightful manner.

In conclusion, the film "I am Secretly an Important Man" offers a deeply moving, stunningly honest portrayal of an influential anarchist, artist, and poet - Steven Jesse Bernstein. It serves as a tribute to a man whose extraordinary artistry, tumultuous life, and tragic end encapsulate a unique time in Seattle's history, the effects of which are still felt in the artistic world today.