Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey

Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey is a stunning biographical documentary film released in 2014, directed by Scott Teems. The movie is a celebration of the iconic American actor and writer, Hal Holbrook, who, for more than six decades, brought to life the legendary author Mark Twain on stage and screen.

The film takes the audience on an enchanting journey through the life of Holbrook, from his childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, to his breakthrough performance as Twain in 1954, to the present day. The documentary offers a comprehensive look at Holbrook's life, including his achievements as a performer, father, husband, and activist.

The documentary is a memoir not only of Holbrook's extraordinary life but also of the United States from the 1940s through to now, as Holbrook’s life and work intimately weave together with the national story. The film acts as a time capsule, taking the viewer back to the beginnings of the Civil Rights era, to the urgency of the Vietnam War, the fear caused by Watergate, and then into our current times.

The documentary includes interviews with Holbrook, his family, and several noteworthy figures in the entertainment industry, such as Sean Penn, Martin Sheen, and Robert Patrick. Through extensive research and interviews, director Teems puts together a beautifully crafted history of Holbrook and Twain, showing how the two intertwine.

The stunning archival footage of Holbrook's one-man Twain shows is interspersed with interviews and Holbrook's behind-the-scenes stories. The documentary raises Q’s about current affairs and provides commentary on significant events that still resonate today.

Holbrook's experience brings valuable insights into the life of the legendary author, Mark Twain. Holbrook has played Twain on and off for over sixty years, earning him a Tony award and an Emmy. The documentary offers an enlightening insight into Twain's novels, essays, and letters, as well as his personal life.

In addition to his uncanny portrayal of Twain, the documentary also reveals Holbrook’s pursuit of his craft as an actor. He describes his work as “a highly disciplined art that takes a lot of courage and a lot of determination.” He shares anecdotes from his experiences portraying Twain and how he intentionally shifted the audience's perceptions of Twain, emphasizing the racism in Twain’s writing and thoughts on race, which had been ignored earlier.

The documentary also highlights Holbrook's activities beyond acting. His advocacy for human rights, art, and the environment is emphasized, calling him the last of a generation of enthusiastic and unapologetic liberals who fought for their beliefs. His advocacy takes viewers on excursions through decades of the cultural and social fabric of the United States, suggesting that the things we believe we know well often reveal themselves to be far more complicated than we might imagine.

Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey is a fascinating documentary that entertains, educates, and inspires. Through Holbrook's portrayal of Twain and his own personal experiences, the documentary offers a unique, informative and engaging journey through the life of an iconic performer and an exceptional mind. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to witness a slice of America's history, culture, and art.