Review of Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell (2008) by Martin G — 17 Jan 2009

The film documents Russell's progression from being an outsider in a small farming town in Iowa to being a thriving personality in New York's alternative music scene. It serves as a great introduction to both Russell's music and his history, to both casual fans and those who know nothing about him or his music. The film also dips into some of his personal struggles, such as his appearance, sexual orientation, and tendency to work constantly, culminating with his battle with AIDS, which led to his untimely demise in 1992.

With more than just passing appearances from Allen Ginsberg and Philip Glass, you get a sense of just how inspiring this man was, and just how strange it is that he never achieved the cult status he has today while he was still alive.