ANDY WARHOL: A DOCUMENTARY FILM
Director: Ric Burns Documentary
Reviewed by PETER KRAUSZ
Made for American Cable TV as a two part, four hour, program, this Emmy Award winning documentary by Ric Burns, is an extensively well researched and intricate examination of the life of Warhol, attempting to bring to the fore the talents and psychology of the man. Eschewing some of the caricatures and misconceptions about Warhol, the film lines up an impressive array of interview subjects and rare film footage, to highlight the achievements as well as the peccadilloes of Warhol.
The film does not shrink from Warhol’s personal sexual lifestyle (or lack of it from time to time) nor does it avoid portraying the negative as well as positive sides to his personality. “The Factory” he established, forms a fundamental part of his creative influence (albeit developed by others, including Paul Morrissey who never received appropriate credit from Warhol about his films) as well as the individuals he cultivated and then ignored. The impact the shooting by Valerie Solanas had on his life is also explored in some detail, culminating in his steady decline.
Laurie Anderson narrates this film in a sombre fashion, and archival footage and contemporary interviews of Warhol, plus Salvador Dali, Edie Sedgwick, Bob Dylan, Dennis Hopper, Paul Morrissey, George Plimpton and many others are fascinating to watch. Highly recommended.
Screening for a limited season only at ACMI.
Score: 9/10