Customer Reviews

The Third Mind [VHS]

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

 

 

This was a fascinating film from a director who clearly shows a lot of talent and sensitivity in creating a "documentary" that goes beyond talking heads by using words, images, and music to convey the synthesis of two great artists--Ray Manzarek of the Doors and the poet Michael McClure. This film is not just for Doors fans--it will appeal to anyone who can appreciate the music of poetry and the poetic rhythms of music. This film not only explores the history behind the partnership of these two icons of the '60s, but also what lies behind the creative and the creating process. I would recommend it for anyone who is touched by the power of words and music. I can't wait to see what this director's next project will be!

I found W.T. Smith's film to be an innovative and imaginative response to the work of Manzarek and McClure. He managed to bring a genuinely cinematic sensibility to a subject that does not, on the surface, suggest such a response. I recommend this documentary to anyone who is interested in the beats or performance poetry.

This film is for anyone interested in the beat poets and poetry in general. It inspired me to learn more about the beats and that whole era. Manzarek music is great, continuing his brilliant work from the Doors. Mcclure's words and Manzaerk's music go great together. Anyone who's a fan of the Doors and a fan of great poetry should see this film.

Michael McClure is a gifted poet, and Ray Manzarek is a talented and accomplished musician, who seems to get the music "just right" for the poem McClure is performing. However, it's not just their respective talents, but their obvious enjoyment in working together that really makes this film such a pleasure to watch.

Although I saw no reason to subtract a star from my rating, I do have one objection to the description of the film. There IS some footage of Jim Morrison performing with The Doors, and an interview that was presented on PBS, but there is NO footage of Morrison reading his poetry. I'm not sure why that claim is on the tape box, because it's just not there.

With that said, I highly recommend this tape or DVD for anyone interested in good poetry accompanied by some fine music.