244. Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck In Time; movie review

 

KURT VONNEGUT - UNSTUCK IN TIME

Cert 15

126 mins

BBFC advice: Contains images of real dead bodies, strong language

I confess that I was unaware of Kurt Vonnegut Jr and the impression the prolific writer made on America's youth.

But having watched Robert B. Weide and Don Argott's labour of love, I am tempted to delve into his work.

This is an extraordinary documentary because it has been literally decades in the making.

Weide, famous for his comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm, was a devotee of Vonnegut as a student and contacted him to make a film.

He was astonished when his hero said yes.

However, despite collecting many interviews and hours of fly-on-the-wall footage, the documentary remained incomplete.

Every now and again, he would return to it, collect more anecdotes and yet there was never a wrap.

Until now - when the relationship between director and hero author has unexpectedly become central to the narrative.

As suggested, this is a wam tribute to Vonnegut with contributions from his children as well as his peers.

But during the chronicle of his life, they do not shy away from the impact which family tragedy had on him nor the sadness of the breakdown of his marriage to a wife who had supported him as he sought recognition for his writing.

Vonnegut cuts a modest and endearing figure with an infectious laugh and I found myself engaged by his rather forceful opinions.

I was also pleased that Weide polished off his unfinished symphony.

Indeed, the story becomes about as much about him as his subject and the film's completion has taken on a new poignancy.

Reasons to watch: Loving portrait

Reasons to avoid: A tribute rather than a biopic

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Slaughterhouse-Five is rated as one of the most banned books of the 21st century. It has been removed from schools all over the United States for its use of profanity, references to sex, and religion.

The final word. Robert B. Weide: "It’s a relief, really. A joy to me that it’s finished. I had serious fears for a lot of the past 39 years that it never would be completed. After (Vonnegut’s) death, I was treading water, not knowing what was going to happen. So the fact it’s finished now is a great relief to me." Midwest Film Journal

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