Absolute Wilson is a profound and compelling documentary that presents an intimate look into the life and creative journey of Robert Wilson, one of the most prolific and influential theater directors of our time. Directed by Katharina Otto-Bernstein and aired in 2006, this film takes a deep dive into Wilson's life, intermeshing it with his groundbreaking works in a captivating blend of biography and art.

Born and raised in Waco, Texas, in 1941, Robert Wilson harbored imaginative richness and intellectual curiosity that soon found solace and expression in the world of theater and the arts. The documentary opens the intricate layers of Wilson's personality and his creative process, revealing the aspects of his life that are deeply intwined with his work. From his struggle with dyslexia and sexuality during his childhood in conservative Texas, the fractured relationship with his father, Wilson's journey to New York City, and to his appearance on the international theater scene – every point is covered in-depth.

The journey unfolds through intimate interviews with Wilson himself, combined with commentary from art critic John Rockwell, theatrical historian Arnold Aronson, the critic and Wilson collaborator Susan Sontag, long-time associate Sheryl Sutton, and lawyer Robin Brentano, among others. Their insights offer not only a commentary on Wilson's artistic process but also shine light on his struggles, vision, and perseverance as an artist.

Underneath Wilson's innovative and flamboyantly visual theater explores his most significant works, which often defy conventional storytelling, are highly symbolic, and driven by a strong visual style. The documentary includes segments on his prominent work, such as "Tom O'Horgan's Lenny" and "Einstein on the Beach", among others that spread over several days and covered explicit political themes. The documentary brilliantly captures Wilson's love for an alternative narrative structure, creating an in-depth exploration of several of Wilson's iconic stage pieces, the aesthetics, the inspiration behind them, and the public and critical reactions they garnered.

However, the documentary, much like Wilson's work, isn't merely descriptive. It also employs sophisticated film-making techniques and a rhythmic structure that compliments Wilson's unique artistic vision. The film is interspersed with archival footage, artistic segments, and dynamic sequences that give audiences a glimpse of Wilson's creative process behind the scenes. Cinematic re-enactments of pivotal moments in Wilson's life are woven into the narrative, serving as symbolic metaphors that capture the essence of the subject's life and work. The cinematography and editing of the documentary reflect Wilson's visual aesthetics - rhythmic and minimalist - that adds a touch of universality to his life's journey.

One of the recurring themes of 'Absolute Wilson' is Wilson's constant battle to stage his idiosyncratically opulent theatrical presentations, often deemed commercially unviable. A significant portion of the film is devoted to showcasing how Wilson, despite frequent battles with the establishment, managed to bring his creative vision to life and transform the theater landscape. In one sense, his story is a testament to artistic integrity and the financial struggles that come with pushing the boundaries of convention.

Wilson's relationship with the deaf-mute artist, Raymond Andrews, also serves as a narrative arc throughout the film. This relationship, deeply spiritual and transformative, became a source of inspiration for several of Wilson's works and provided an emotional anchor in his otherwise tumultuous career, adding a softer, more compassionate side to the portrait of this avant-garde artist.

The film also paints a human portrait of Robert Wilson, capturing his charm, wit, modesty, and generous spirit. It shows us that beyond the artist, there lies an ordinary man with a compelling life story filled with ups and downs that influenced his work. 'Absolute Wilson' is a vibrant, stimulating, and touching tribute to a legend who revolutionized theater with his bold, imaginative, and enduring ideas. It is a must-see for anyone interested in theater, art, and the creative process or anyone in awe of the human spirit's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

In a nutshell, 'Absolute Wilson' is more than just a biopictorial documentary. It is an exploration of art and the artist, an intriguing odyssey into the creative mind, and a clear-eyed tribute to a man whose works have indelibly inked the pages of theatrical history. It leaves the audience with a heightened appreciation for Wilson's contribution to the theater and his determination to stay true to his vision against all odds. It's a brilliantly composed document of an artist's life, mirroring the same rhythm and lyricism that Wilson himself brought to the theater.