Radio Unnameable

Radio Unnameable is a 2012 documentary film directed by Paul Lovelace and Jessica Wolfson, centering on the life and career of the veteran radio broadcaster, Bob Fass. The film features eminent personalities like David Amram, Judy Collins, and Robert Downey Sr., all who have contributed significantly to pop culture.

The feature dives deep into the life of Bob Fass, one of the most iconic and influential figures in the world of nighttime radio. Known for his show, 'Radio Unnameable', that aired on WBAI in New York City, Fass brought a distinct touch to the airwaves during the 1960s, a time of political, social, and cultural transformation in America.

The film opens by setting the stage for viewers, illustrating urban New York in the 1960s when radio was the center of amusement for many. Fass’ program, airing from midnight to dawn, became a voice. His mischievous and irreverent sense of humor, his innate ability to captivate audiences, and his inclination for political and social activism forged a relationship with an ever-expanding and loyal fanbase. Bob Fass's midnight-to-dawn program became a magnet for a lot of famous, infamous, and anonymous characters belonging from all walks of life.

David Amram, an acclaimed composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, author, and a go-to collaborator for numerous artists from Leonard Bernstein, Dizzy Gillespie, to Jack Kerouac and others, is seen delivering enriching insights into Fass and his radio run. His perspective gives the audience a deeply reflective perspective of what radio stood for during those times and unpacks the essence of Fass’s dedicated listeners.

Another key figure the documentary calls upon is Judy Collins, Queen of 60s folk music, who provides both valuable insights and memorable anecdotes. For much of her career, Collins has been an activist, lending her voice to numerous causes. Having first met Fass in the 1960s when they both emerged as part of the same folk-music scene, Collins’ input flows naturally and paints a vivid picture of Bob Fass’ admirable authenticity and incessant drive towards instigating change.

Robert Downey Sr., director and father of famed actor Robert Downey Jr., also imparts a stirring and pivotal perspective on Fass. Downey's insights serve as a testament to Fass's enduring impact on the alternative world.

Simultaneously, the film is the timeline for Bob Fass's efforts as an activist. It debuts with Fass's initial participation in the formation of the Yippies, a radically youth-oriented and countercultural offshoot of the free speech and anti-war movements, later leading to the Democratic National Convention protests in Chicago in 1968. Further, it details his role in the organization of free music concerts and events to aid strikers and homeless persons in New York City.

In the course of Bob Fass’s journey, we understand how the radio became a platform for him; a launchpad to execute his ideologies and thoughts on issues he believed in. The significant aspects of this venture involve Fass’s endeavors into mobilizing masses for politically-centered acts, consequently showing viewers the role radio played in leading key societal changes.

“Radio Unnameable” beautifully weaves archival footage, audiotapes, photographs, and recent, original footage to bring forth the journey and impact that Bob Fass had, not just on radio but the entire socio-political fabric of the country. The directors have made sure to keep the film relative, moving fluidly from the past to the present, and chronicling Fass’s influence over the half-century.

The film’s technical elements also deserve a mention with its remarkable editing and sound design. The orchestration of Bob Fass’s voice throughout the film gives raw richness and reverberation. The eclectic soundtrack featuring music from that era induces nostalgia and compliments the narrative impeccably.

In conclusion, “Radio Unnameable” is more than just a documentary about a man and his radio show. It is a significant cultural artifact that encapsulates a transformative era in American history while touching upon elements of the present times, essentially making it a timeless piece. It puts forth a vivid portrayal of an alternative media model that is personal, participatory, and capable of inciting thoughtful activism. The film promises to leave audiences reflecting on the power of media, both as a tool of entertainment and change and appeals to both fans of Bob Fass and those discovering him for the first time.