Burroughs: The Movie Blu-ray Review

"Burroughs: The Movie" is presented on Blu-ray by The Criterion Collection with an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.34:1 aspect ratio, slightly off the specified 1.33:1. Created from a 35mm print held by the Museum of Modern Art in New York using a Spirit DataCine film scanner, this high-definition digital transfer showcases a meticulous restoration process. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps were removed manually using MTI's DRS, while Digital Vision's Phoenix handled minor dirt, grain, noise management, jitter, and flicker.

Given that the film was originally shot in 16mm and other smaller formats over several years and variable circumstances, this heterogeneous sourcing results in fluctuations in film grain and overall image quality. The palette occasionally appears somewhat wan with pale pink flesh tones; however, detail levels remain surprisingly intact in close-ups. Archival footage, particularly black-and-white segments from Burroughs' time in Tangiers and his 'SNL' appearance, showcases more visible degradation due to their original source quality, such as being shot off a TV monitor. Despite these inherent limitations, the transfer maintains a clean image overall, free from any problematic compression anomalies typically observed in lesser releases.

The audio presentation of "Burroughs: The Movie" on Blu Ray is characterized by its LPCM Mono track, aligning well with the documentary's straightforward sound design. Predominantly, the sound involves Burroughs’ own voice, either from contemporary footage or various archival videos. Accompanying these are numerous first-person confessionals and interactions between different people, all of which are delivered with clarity and precision. There's no noticeable distortion or dropouts, ensuring the spoken material resonates effectively throughout the film.

The audio remastering, as indicated in the liner notes, reveals meticulous attention to detail. Originating from a 35 mm soundtrack print, the monaural sound has been remastered at 24-bit resolution. Advanced tools such as Pro Tools HD and iZotope RX 4 were employed to manually eliminate clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle. Interviews are presented with a high degree of clarity, although adjusting to Burroughs' accent may require some listener acclimatization. Notably, it appears only one microphone was utilized during production, causing occasional off-camera questions to be less discernible. The dynamic range is appropriately limited for a documentary format, with negligible bass presence, aligning soundly with the overall expected characteristics.

The Blu-ray extras for "Burroughs: The Movie" offer an insightful dive into both the filmmaking process and Burroughs' life. Jim Jarmusch's commentary is particularly enlightening, providing a wealth of background information about the film and its subjects. Equally compelling are the interviews and audio excerpts with Howard Brookner, adding invaluable context. Several HD outtakes offer raw and candid glimpses into Burroughs' world, capturing scenes from various iconic locations and events like the Nova Convention. The New York Film Festival Q&A enriches the collection by including modern reflections from key figures, while the Robert E. Fulton III Edit presents a unique, albeit unconventional, artistic take on the material. The folded sheet insert adds an extra layer of value with its detailed essay by Luc Sante.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Jim Jarmusch provides extensive background information.
• Howard and Uncle Bill: Aaron Brookner reminisces about his uncle.
• Howard Brookner: Interview excerpts with Howard conducted by Ted Morgan.
• Outtakes: Various clips including New York City, Weapons, Nova Convention, Interviews, and Travel segments.
• New York Film Festival, 2014: Q&A session featuring key figures.
• Robert E. Fulton III Edit: An alternative artistic edit employing Burroughs' cut-up method.

"Burroughs: The Movie," a documentary directed by Howard Brookner, offers an engaging yet unconventional portrait of William S. Burroughs, a major figure of the Beat Generation. Filmed between the late 1970s and early 1980s, the documentary captures Burroughs' life through a mix of firsthand narrations, quasi-home movies, and confessionals from notable figures like Allen Ginsberg. The film opens with Burroughs reading from his 1964 novel 'Nova Express' on "Saturday Night Live," projecting an almost incongruous image of a conservative insurance salesman rather than a radical literary icon. His unassuming appearance belies the provocative and often shocking elements of his personal and professional life.

Brookner's film transcends a traditional biographical approach by focusing more on Burroughs' interactions and less on strictly linear historical events. The documentary reveals personal details through candid moments with friends and family, including Burroughs' brother Mortimer and his son William Jr., an addict in visibly worse condition than his father. The documentary touches on major events like the infamous William Tell incident, but treats them with an almost casual air, integrating them seamlessly into the broader narrative.

While the film is engaging, it skirts hagiography by glossing over more critical perspectives of Burroughs' life and work. For instance, the cut-up writing technique is discussed without a dissenting voice, which might have offered a more rounded view of its debated efficacy in literary circles. With contributions from future filmmakers like Tom DiCillo and Jim Jarmusch, Brookner's documentary successfully immortalizes Burroughs' complex legacy. Although Brookner passed away in 1989, his nephew Aaron Brookner has preserved his uncle’s work through a digital restoration campaign, ensuring that this compelling glimpse into Burroughs' world remains accessible.

"Burroughs: The Movie" offers an intimate and captivating exploration of the legendary author, capturing the essence of his life and work. While the narrative may not provide a conventional, chronological biography, it succeeds in presenting Burroughs from the inside out, making it a compelling watch for those who are either already familiar with his literary impact or eager to delve deeper without extraneous detail. The film stands as a vivid testament to Burroughs’ eclectic and provocative personality, encapsulating some of the most striking aspects of his persona and legacy.

Criterion's HD presentation does justice to this iconic film, delivering quality that is as commendable as the original sources allow. The visual and audio transfers are generally solid, providing a clear window into Burroughs' world. The supplementary materials included in this package enhance the viewing experience significantly. These bonuses not only contextualize the film's subject but also enrich the overall presentation, making this release a must-have for avid fans and collectors.

As Jim Jarmusch mentions in his appealing commentary, there may be other films ostensibly about Burroughs, but "Burroughs: The Movie" gets at its subject from the inside. Those wanting a straightforward, chronological biography with extensive background information should look elsewhere. However, for those already acquainted with Burroughs or who simply want to get up close and personal without a ton of interstitial material getting in the way, "Burroughs: The Movie" is a truly fascinating piece. Technical merits are generally solid and the supplementary package is very enjoyable. Highly recommended.