Charles Bukowski was arguably the greatest poet of the twentieth century. His output sustained its quality long after that of Beats such as Allen Ginsburg had faded, while still retaining a daring unknown to figures such as Robert Frost. This documentary gives insight into Bukowski's life, showing both his artistry and his personal problems.
Particularly for someone who is new to Bukowski's work, this film will be a revelation. The documentary artfully combines information about the poet's life with excerpts of his work, including a reading of "Dinosauria, We" the poem which gave the film its title. We see how the artistry reflected the reality of Bukowski's life, particularly fitting given the experiential focus of his work.
The film is not a hagiography, and gives extensive coverage to the poet's dark side. However, it makes clear that his behavior was a mechanism of coping with his childhood traumas and sensitivity. Ultimately, it is a moving portrait of a flawed man.
Particularly for someone who is new to Bukowski's work, this film will be a revelation. The documentary artfully combines information about the poet's life with excerpts of his work, including a reading of "Dinosauria, We" the poem which gave the film its title. We see how the artistry reflected the reality of Bukowski's life, particularly fitting given the experiential focus of his work.
The film is not a hagiography, and gives extensive coverage to the poet's dark side. However, it makes clear that his behavior was a mechanism of coping with his childhood traumas and sensitivity. Ultimately, it is a moving portrait of a flawed man.