Norman Mailer: The American

The 2010 documentary, Norman Mailer: The American, is a riveting analysis and exploration into the life and works of one of America's most controversial, complex and celebrated literary figures, Norman Mailer. Directed by Joseph Mantegna, the film features insights from figures such as Jack Abott, Muhammad Ali, and Nicole Barrett among others, who delve into the depth of Mailer's impact and contributions to American literature, politics, and culture.

Norman Mailer: The American is the biographical exploration of a man who was larger than life in just about every conceivable way. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, in 1923, Mailer was both a novelist and a journalist who, over the course of his lengthy career, succeeded in winning both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. The film deep dives into Mailer's books, essays, plays, and movies, showcasing his immense impact on the literary world. His works tackled much of the political, social, and cultural unrest of the day, from the Vietnam War to the Feminist movement, and he was not afraid to push boundaries in his writing.

The film also explores Mailer's controversial life beyond his written works. It investigates his provocative persona, the sensational incidents from his personal life, and his often prickly relationships with public figures. This includes his encounters with Jack Abbott, a criminal Mailer helped to publish a book while still in prison and caused an uproar when Abbott committed another crime soon after his release. It also looks into Mailer's interactions with Muhammad Ali, where he had a close-up view of one of the most iconic sports figures of our time, and recalls his strained relationship with his former wife Nicole Barrett.

Witnesses to Mailer's life are called upon throughout the documentary to provide an array of perspectives on this complex figure. Personal anecdotes, criticisms, journalistic accounts, and on-camera interviews with family members, colleagues, and contemporaries help to build a multifaceted portrait of the prolific author. In this way, Norman Mailer: The American seeks to illuminate the man behind the controversy, showcasing not only the public persona but also the man behind closed doors.

The history and societal context surrounding Mailer's life is also a central part of this narrative, as it was from these circumstances that his thoughts, beliefs, and artistic style were molded. His World War II experiences play a major role in this biographical documentary, where he was a young Jewish man serving in the Pacific. He eventually turned this experience into his first major novel, The Naked and the Dead.

The film also casts light on Mailer's participation in the sexual revolution, his political activism, and his run for the Mayor of New York City. His infamous feud with feminist groups adds yet another layer to his already profound legacy. Consequently, no topic is off limits in the film's examination of Mailer, allowing for a holistic understanding of his impact on American culture.

Formatted in a non-linear narrative, Norman Mailer: The American guides the viewer through his magical realism writing style, incorporating reenactments of critical moments, archival footage, and candid personal photographs, making the viewer feel personally invited into Mailer’s chaotic sphere. The film creates a psychological and societal investigation into his character providing an ambivalent, yet panoramic view of an individual who has left an indelible mark on America.

In summary, Norman Mailer: The American provides a thoughtful, holistic look at the man behind the typewriter. It is a must-see documentary for lovers of literature, students of American history, or anyone who appreciates an in-depth exploration of one of the 20th century's most contentious, controversial, and influential figures. Whether you admire Mailer for his audacious artistry or revile him for his behavior, there's no denying the size and significance of his footprint on American literature and society - a footprint this documentary covers in intricate and engaging detail.