Burroughs

Burroughs is a 1983 biographical documentary about the renowned American writer, William S. Burroughs. The film is directed by Howard Brookner, and it features interviews with Burroughs himself, as well as his close friends and collaborators such as Allen Ginsberg and Herbert Huncke.

The film primarily focuses on Burroughs' life and work, charting his rise to fame as one of the key figures of the Beat Generation, his experimentation with drugs and his lifelong interest in the occult. It gives an intimate portrait of the writer, featuring both his public persona and his private life.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its unflinching portrayal of Burroughs' personal struggles, particularly his addiction to drugs and his complicated relationships with other people. Through interviews with his close friends and collaborators, the film reveals a complex and often troubled individual, whose experiences and ideas continue to be influential in American literature and counterculture to this day.

The film also delves into the various artistic and cultural movements that Burroughs was a part of, including the Beat Generation, the Cut-Up Method, and the punk rock scene. Through interviews with figures such as Patti Smith and Brion Gysin, the film illustrates Burroughs' widespread influence on popular culture, spanning multiple generations of artists and thinkers.

In addition to its focus on Burroughs himself, the film also sheds light on the broader social and cultural context of his work. By examining the political and social issues of the time, such as the Vietnam War, the anti-authoritarianism of the '60s and '70s, and the AIDS crisis, the film shows how Burroughs' work was informed by and responded to the cultural and political climate of his era.

Overall, Burroughs is a fascinating and insightful portrait of one of the towering figures of American literature and counterculture. Through its detailed examination of his life and work, the film offers a rich and multifaceted portrait of an artist who continues to inspire and challenge audiences to this day.