introduced by Roger Smith, official blogger for the Paul Goodman website, at both screenings
A portrait of a neglected yet crucial figure of the American mid-century, this documentary chronicles the inspiring life of intellectual Paul Goodman. Perhaps best known for the book Growing up Absurd, a chronicle of post-war American youth and eventual bible for the sixties counter-culture, Goodman is here shown in a range of public roles: poet, critic, activist and early crusader for gay rights. Using archival footage as well as contemporary interviews with fans and friends like Noam Chomsky and Michael Walzer, director Jonathan Lee reveals a complex life, one that touched on essential moments in American history, including the anti-war movement, Gestalt psychology and sexual liberation. This inspiring documentary "has a passionate, almost prophetic sense of the impact that a writer and thinker can have on his times and the future." (NY Times) More at paulgoodmanfilm.com Digital Projection
2011, color, 1 hour 29 minutes, USA