Review of Bukowski: Born Into This (2003) by Dustin C — 26 Sep 2007

Been meaning to see this for years, but it was never playing in theaters. So I tried to appease myself by watching "The Bukowski Tapes" (5 stars!) over and over again. To clarify, I've been a huuuge Buk fan for many years, and remain impressed that there was one other person in existence who thought like I thought. Bukowski helped me articulate my own disgust and alienation from the worlds of humanity and work. Through all the disappointments with life, women, etc., Buk was there with his beautiful words, which were often the only thing in the world that could make me laugh. Sitting down with some beer and a Buk book was like visiting a good old friend.

"Born into this" is for the most part favorable, and it was great to see the footage and the photographs covering many different periods of his life. I can't say I really "learned" anything as I was obsessed with Buk to begin with, but this doc was a good combination of sights and sounds. Actually I didn't know too much of Buk's relationship with John Martin, so it was good to see Martin had such a prominent part here. As well as Linda Lee. Bono reading "the crunch" was a little too much though, but the Tom Waits appearance made up for it. Would have liked to see a little bit more about Jane, but from what I understand, not much was known about Jane to begin with. The story of how he broke the bed was wonderful. Of him threatening to kick the heckler's ass. I was shocked and moved to hear him break into tears whilst reading the poem about Linda King. I was a bit put off by FrancEye's beard.

A good introduction to Buk; If you like this, try to get ahold of any/all of his readings. To hear him read his stuff in his voice is incredible.