Customer Reviews

Bukowski - Born Into This

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

They finally are going to release this. I saw Born Into This in a small theater in NY. I have always been a big fan of Bukowski ever since a friend loaned me "Roominghouse Madrigals". I corresponded with CB briefly just before his death.
I have always felt that eventhough Bukowski was/is incredibly famous by any "poet" measure, he has been sadly overlooked by the scholarly crowd. I can't imagine anybody reading a substantial portion of his work and not agreeing with me that Buk was one of the most influential and important writers of the last century. There have been several biographies written about Buk, none of which did him justice. This film is the first one in my opinion. You get a real feel for what made him tick, his genius and at times his recklessness. You also get a look at the love he had for his last wife and her unflailing patience with him.
The entire film is entertaining, touching, educational and everything else you could ask for.
My recommendation is see this even if the only connection you have to Buk is watching Barfly. You'll be picking up Post Office in no time.

I'm glad this was made! Saw it in a theatre when it opened about three years ago and was happy to see it was out on DVD recently--and snapped one up off the amazon site right away.

Props to the filmmaker! A big thank you to Tom Waits (another favorite) for making an appearance and for reading the Buk poem. Others have tried to read Bukowski's stuff, and it just doesn't work, doesn't come off right. Waits is absolutely perfect for this sort of material and ought to consider doing an entire album of either Buk's prose and/or poetry.

Back to Bukowski for a minute: I don't care what his detractors continue to moan and gripe about when it comes to the man's work--because I said it more than 25 years ago and I'm still saying it today--and I will say keep saying it until the day I die: he was a mad genius!

One good/solid third of his output is pure GOLD--and I am talking about the best stuff. As a result, he will be read forever. In my opinion, this guy remains the greatest American poet of them all, period.

A third of his output is fair, and the last third is quite lousy, in fact, unreadable (and I place Pulp in that last third bunch; some of the stories in Hot Water Music are weak; the novel Hollywood is really not as good as it otherwise might have been, etc) -- but, so what? How many great hitters, get the best, can hit a homer each and every time at bat? Every single time? No way.

Did the writer have flaws and weaknesses as a man? Hell, yes! Who isn't flawed? I'm not perfect, and neither are you--or anyone else. All I have to say just take a real good look at what the man endured as a child, look what he lived through. And if you can't understand that, and don't get it, or simply REFUSE to get it...well, there is nothing else to be said.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how truly insightful Taylor Hackford's take on the man was, also Linda Bukowski's comments were quite poignant.

Where was the other Linda, by the way? Why was Linda King left out? And why was Ben Pleasants not included as well? And what about Dan Fante, the late, great John Fante's son?

Okay, I could be nit picking...


The one individual who to me, and this was some kind of downer, did not come off as incredibly bright (and by that I mean lacking true insight into Charles Bukowski) was his long-time publisher John Martin. Yes, give him credit for having had at least enough intelligence for seeing value in Bukowski's writing, but that's about it.

I could be wrong here, and I hope I am, but I have this feeling that the reason some of Buk's poetry lacks his verve and profundity/punch could be because Martin (or someone employed by him) may have done some "minor" editing and/or trimming here and there. Like I said, I am only guessing --but some of the lines come across as truly weak and pedestrian in various volumes written towards the end of the writer's life.

Again, I could be wrong, but some of the material just does not hold up. Could have been Buk (having some off days; it happens--and I am talking about stuff written way before illness was upon him) or it could be something else.

By the way, when will the Bukowski Tapes (shot by Barbet Shroeder) be put out on DVD? Isn't it about time? Come on, Barbet!

John Dullaghan: again, thanks for hanging in there!

Yes, I was one of those who wept when I heard the man was gone. I admit it, a Nam vet, been around, lived through some heavy /hard times of my own, seen my share of it...and I wept. We loved him, still do.

So says the grave of Charles Bukowski a man who, behind his pocked and weathered face, had an ambition of which no one would have guessed. At this point, readers may have grown tired of hearing me rave about this or that documentary--as I have seen so many excellent ones over the course of the last year; however, "Born Into This," is as good a bio-pic as any ever made. It is unbelievably interesting and artful. The director knew Bukowski well, and this footage is extremely intimate. Stylistically, its strongest feature is the superimposing of Buk's poetry and sentences across the screen--which are then reproduced at the same speed at which he speaks. It creates a powerful effect and this is never more true than when he passionately mouths the title poem.

It's really not a pretty tale. Bukowski led a sorrowful life. Although, its damage was somewhat mitigated by his later, unforeseeable, success in which "the blondes with the [certain unmentionable physical attribute] came too late." There was a certain, dare-I-say, nobility about this dirty and talented old man. He existed to drink, write, and have sex. He was what he was, and how many people can say the same? There was not a once of pretension in him. He had a high level of artistic integrity and wrote diligently every day. Even if one doesn't like Charles Bukowski or feels repulsed by him, his perspective was so unique that one must appreciate him. What a life! This documentary captures the man far better than any book that I've read about him. I'd say R.I.P., but I'm not sure peace is something he ever wanted.

I stopped watching television about 14 years ago becasue of all of the commericalized garbage flooding out from the little screen into my home. I do watch videos and DVDs and it is a pure delight to me that they are bringing this extrodinary Bukowski documentary out on DVD. I saw it in a theatre here in San Fransico and I loved it so much. Why? Well becasue it was so real. It was about this man, Bukowski, survior of the United States Post Office that somehow, with poetry no less, escaped and soared from the really wretched miserable corner he was in and created his own life on his own terms. And he did it with with honesty to make a Santa Cluse blush. It is a powerful story and Born Into This needs to be given credit for not merely being superb film-making but for going behind the myth and introducing the very sensitive, teddy bear Bukowski behind the mask. That wrote as the great musicians make music. Before I went to see the film a young woman said it made her cry and I went and saw it and I see why. It doesn't hurt at all having Bono sitting down and singing Bukowski's praises either. I have two wishes. That people that have misjudged Charles Bukowski will watch this DVD and give him a chance and then go out and read his work. My second wish is that David Chase will make a Dirty Old Man series to follow his success with The Sopranos to prove it wasn't a fluke. And I hope John Dullaghan who made this fine documentary will make many more films. I guess that was three.

Charles Bukowski was an uncompromising counterculture icon and this documentary, Bukowski: Born Into This, attempts to provide some insight into his life and unique worldview.

Director John Dullaghan has found some great, vintage archival footage of Bukowski at his rawest - drunken ramblings that, at times, almost seem confessional in nature. We also see him at poetry readings feeding into his mythology of a foul-mouthed purveyor of skid row culture. And there is footage of his private side - a gentle, family man living in the shadow of his cruel, abusive father.

Born Into This paints a fascinating portrait of a crude, hard-drinking man given to bouts of paranoia and jealousy. Bukowski led a hard life but one devoid of sympathy for his plight because it was a life he chose to lead. Dullaghan has put together a compelling doc that succeeds at dispelling many of the myths surrounding Bukowski and manages to celebrate his work while also showing his less than savory side. This doesn't demonize the man but rather humanizes him, presenting a fuller picture.

Six previously unpublished Bukowski poems are reproduced on this DVD. They will eventually see the light of day in a new collection to be published in January 2007.

"Bukowski's Final Home Movie Footage From 1992" was shot by his wife and is considered to be the last known footage of him before his death in 1994. In it, he reads a couple pieces of his work.

There is a deleted scene where publisher John Martin recounts a story of how a female fan wrote to Bukowski, they met and spent a night together. He ended up writing about the experience. She is interviewed and recounts the experience from her perspective.

Also included are "Extended Interviews" with the likes of Taylor Hackford who gives us a walking tour of East Hollywood where Bukowski used to live and work as a postal carrier. Bono talks about the layers to Bukowski's work and its truthfulness.

Both Tom Waits and Bono read some of Bukowski's poetry. Waits, in particular, has that great gravelly, weathered voice perfect for the man's prose.

"Born Into This: Behind-the-Scenes Featurette." The director talks about how he got into Bukowski's work and the impetus for the documentary. He credits Linda Bukowski with opening a lot of doors and giving him access to people like Bono and some of her husband's close friends.

Finally, there is an engaging audio commentary by the film's director John Dullaghan. The director talks about the extensive research and leg work he did and also goes into detail about Bukowski's life, pointing out things that didn't make it into the film. Best of all, he tells all sorts of great Bukowski anecdotes in this enjoyable track.

I am not judging this documentary on the lighting or cinematography whatever (you wouldnt want me to anyways). I gave this documentary 4 stars because of the info relayed and the moments that we saw captured in Bukowski's life.

My negatives about the documentary: I watched this film on a whim and was so engrossed in the info I received, I just couldnt watch the film in an objective way to relay a good mix of negatives.
However, I do agree with another commentor how some of the interviews were a bummer. From his last wife, Linda #2, I didnt feel any sincerity or care or emotion coming from her as she stood today. And I feel as if thats an unfair statement to make about the documentary's appeal because I was truly doubtful of Linda's "love" for Bukowski versus being doubtful of the credibility of the documentary.
And then some of the other interviews ... like the guy who was Bukowski's first publisher, Bono, etc, I just found them really un-enlightening.

My main love for this documentary comes from my assumptions about Bukowski (through his poetry) being discredited by seeing the real man on this film. I thought Bukowski was just a loud, "dirty old man". And, in some sense, he was - but not in the way I had perceived.

Some of you guys might think Im simple but . . .
Good points
- I really loved hearing Bukowski's poems being read by Bukowski. He has a scratchy, but somehow gentle voice.
- I liked how Bukowski answered questions asked by reporters. They certainly asked him the rollyoureye questions, like "what is love?" but he played along and answered them - in a very poetic way. You could see him give the question considerable thought. Then he'd smirk and say something beautiful.
- I liked learning about the major "points" in his life. Learning about his job. His finances. His parents. His acne. The type of women he liked. Nothing too in depth here, but enough.
- I dont think I fully understand Bukowski's view on women. Despite the inadequacies in my interpretation, I was still engrossed by his relationship with women.
He was a virgin until he turned, what was it? 24?
He dated almost plain, sometimes ugly, even fat women sometimes. (which was shocking. i have read some of his short stories - and he did comment on the "ugly" appearance of his women, but i just somehow couldnt believe him bc of the way he talked about beautiful, young women in his poetry. but the documentary relayed that he almost would seek out the women weathered by life, the ugly ones). egs, one of Bukowski's women who was interviewed had long white moustache hairs growning out of her chin. It took me awhile to stop focusing on the hair and start focusing on what she was saying.
And THEN there was the 'behind the scenes' taping of Barfly, where Bukowski momentarily turns into the very man he hates, his father, and kicks Linda #2. TOTALLY did not see that one coming.
[another reason why I cant give a fair judgement to this doc ... I knew NOTHING about Bukowski but I've always been curious - so his life lived up to my expectations. How can I fairly critique a film that tells me his life in such a way?]
Lastly, seeing Bukowski reading a poem about the very gender he "disrespects" ... and then crying. That had to be my favorite part.
- Another scene I liked. Regarding Barfly - I cant remember who played him (brando?), but Bukowski mentioned how the lead actor barged into the bar, chest pumped out, and exclaimed to everyone his entrance. I forgot the exact saying, but Bukowski said the actor's line how he [bukowski] would have REALLY said it - subdued, with a sense of sadness.

Yeah. I liked it. Its one of the few documentaries I could watch more than 2 times.

This documentary accomplishes what very few documentaries are able to: at points, you can see the real Bukowski seeping through. The vivid, sometimes uncomfortable footage of Bukowski coupled with interviews of friends, family and an impressive ensemble of famous friends and admirers (such as Bono...why is that guy everywhere?) makes this a very dimensional film. Bukowski's own interpretation of 'Bluebird' at the end is particularly powerful.

Beware, however, that some of the personages interviewed present some very misguided arguments concerning the validity of poetic structure. Not to worry, though. This film is so well made that it is easy to see their error.

PS- Film released 2002. Dvd released 2006. It's been a long wait for fans of this film! Enjoy.

If you want to get a fuller, more objective and less stylized picture of this man, I recommend Howard Sounes' excellent bio "Bukowski: Locked In The Arms Of A Crazy Life." I found Bukowski much later than I would've liked...sadly enough, as an Ivy League English Lit major I had never even heard of him as an undergrad and after reading most of his work (in my late 20s while living overseas) I can see why. The man spits in the face of every politically correct, East-Coast ivory tower, WASPish social and literary convention in existence...God bless him! It's easy to see how feminists, cultural conservatives, lefty academics, "New Yorker" subscribers and all the other usual suspects would revile him.

This film is a great intro to Bukowski, I had never seen him on film before and he was an interesting subject to watch. Just as scar-faced and ugly-looking as he often described himself, but surprisingly very soft and gentle most of the time---spoke in a very quiet and laid-back voice not the tough-guy snarl that he usually affects in his writing.

And that's always been the central enigma about Charles Bukowski, as both writer and individual: how to separate the pose from the person, the devil-may-care drifting and brawling barfly poet covering up for the terrified and tender little boy underneath? Sounes' bio does a wonderful job of debunking many of the prevalent myths that have sprung up about Bukowski, most of them encouraged if not cultivated by the man himself.

This film barely touches on that, but for the most part its main aim is to present the writer and his writerly persona and body of work as one unified whole, with the decaying landscape of urban LA as the backdrop. Several of his poems are read throughout the movie, sometimes by Bukowski, sometimes by celebrity admirers like U2's Bono and Sean Penn. There are film clips of a few of his readings, still photos of him at the horsetrack, subtitled interviews he gave to European journalists. The only darkish moments we see of Bukowski are when he becomes abusive towards Linda Lee (the woman he would end up marrying and spending the rest of his life with) after a few drinks during an interview and when he goes back to his childhood home and describes the horrifying abuse he suffered at his father's hands.

You can't really fault the filmmakers much since they have to work with whatever material is available, especially so many years after his death. But it would've been nice had they also interviewed more of Bukowski's detractors and critics (which Sounes' book does), to get a more balanced view of the man. Not that it would've done any damage to his reputation...once you've read Bukowski, it's darn near impossible to change your opinion of his work pro or con. Instead this film sometimes feels more like a hero's tribute than a real documentary, which is disappointing.

At the very least however, this film deserves credit for giving wider exposure to Bukowski's work, which it richly deserves.

I was abroad when this documentary came out, and never had the chance to see it before the DVD arrived. As a documentary, it's about as solid of a work as I've ever seen. Excellent effort by the filmmakers at assembling footage of Bukowski enduring interviews and the pressure of the stage. They also gathered a strong selection of people who were part of Bukowski's life to speak frankly about him -- from friends to essential interviews with publisher John Martin and, of course, Linda Bukowski, his wife of many years, who delivers the films final eulogy in a very touching moment.

The work is balanced in presenting the genius, the sadness and the anger of the man - all the elements that made him geniune, tragic and real. I did regret that there was one piece of footage missing from the film, which appears among the interviews shot of Bukowski by Barbet Schroeder, in which Bukowski says that he always tried to put humor into his work. That was a very illuminating moment for me and I think an important aspect of Bukowski's work, in particular, with his prose. Bukowski was a dark humorist which is one reason I enjoy him so much. Otherwise, I am quite pleased with the portrait they paint of this great writer.

I know alot about Bukowski. When I was in my 30's, I was dying to be a poet. But. instead, I decided it would be a good idea to run a poetry magazine -- just I loved poetry. I was living in Princeton and I began a poetry magazine. The mag was called "Now This."

I was so exhausted and moved by watching "Born Into This" that I waited a day later before even glancing at the bonus section. There, I saw a chapter titled "A home movie of Charles Bukowski." When I started my magazine and, naturally I had hoped and prayed Bukowski would contribute. In the end, he generously contributed eight poems to my magazine. The bonus DVD footage that I mentioned is the last footage of Bukowski ever giving a reading - and it was made for my magazine. Linda Bukowski had taped it and sent it to me for my magazine's first poetry reading in Princeton. What a trip to see that old fond memory of mine on dvd. I've had a copy of that tape since that time, but out of respect to the Buk and Linda I never tried to sell it or anything, though people begged me to. (I did give a copy of it once to a biker who worked the counter of Mondo Video A-Go-Go in LA, just cause I liked the guy). But I'm really glad to see Linda decided to release it for this DVD. It gave me high to see my great Princeton literary folly preserved into the digital millenium. Ah, Buk. You are missed. Thanks for releasing the tape, Linda.
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My comment about this film is more personal because as I watched it and listened to Hank's poems being read, it was as if I was visiting with an old friend. I never met Hank, but I am grateful to him because his words helped me make sense of my life at a time when nothing else made sense. When I read Hank's books, it was like he understood my heart and it felt like he was a friend talking directly to me. Hank told it like it is for a lot of people and this is why his books will be read and loved for as long as there are lonely people in the world. I'm truly thankful to those who made this film for making it possible for me to see someone who means so much to me.

Did anyone else notice that the copy of Hank's book on Tom Waits' table wasn't just a prop? It had obviously been read many times; it was dog-eared and had many markers in it........ just like my own copy.

Steve