Wavy Gravy - The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin'

The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin’ is a stellar documentary that takes the audience on a journey through the life of the iconic, sixties counterculture hero, clown activist, poet, and unparalleled peacemaker, Wavy Gravy. Known initially as Hugh Romney, his transformation into the beloved public figure, Wavy Gravy, is captured and expressed engagingly in this comprehensive representation of his life, mixed with moments of stunning introspection.

From his early days in the Beat poet era of the 1950s to the unforgettable and influential era of the 1960s countercultural movement, the documentary captures Wavy Gravy's evolution in an inspiring yet eccentric manner, showing how a regular man turned into a freethinking social and political advocate. Furthermore, it conveys how he managed to blend entertainment with activism effectively while bravely traversing the critical landmarks of that time.

This film is directed by Michelle Esrick, who spent close to a decade filming and cataloging the different aspects of Wavy Gravy's life. Her thoughtfully assembled footage, as well as her in-depth interactions with Gravy and his close circle, breathe life into the layers and contradictions that make up this charismatically unconventional figure. One of the unique aspects of the movie is its ability to dig beyond the multi-colored, tie-dyed surface to delve deeper into Gravy's central philosophy – using humor, love, and respect to change the world.

The captivating narrative is beautifully interwoven with a multitude of historical and personally shot footage. It features a variety of scenes, from black-and-white clips of Gravy's early stand-up routines to vibrant clips from the counterculture festivals of the sixties and seventies, to intimate home movies featuring his wife and lifelong collaborator, Jahanara Romney. These snapshots in time reveal the different facets of Gravy's intriguing character, simultaneously capturing the spirit of the era and the forces that inspired him to change the course of his life and use his platform for the betterment of society.

Riding on the back of a rich background score, the film also features many interviews with famous personalities, like entertainers, musicians, and political activists who have known Gravy over the years. Their shared experiences and memories contribute to the film's depth, painting a broader and more detailed picture of his influence. Key among them are anecdotes and insights from Mogul Pranay Bhartiya from the Woodstock festival and Bonnie Raitt, the legendary musician, along with several others.

In addition to the recounting of his colorful life, Saint Misbehavin' shines a light on Wavy Gravy's notable global social and humanitarian efforts. This includes his well-known association with the Seva Foundation, a global humanitarian organization. His unending dedication towards the cause of preventable blindness and his initiative in establishing the children's performance art camp, Camp Winnarainbow, are showcased, underlining the generous contributions he has made towards society through his activism.

The perfect blend of inspirational storytelling, historical representation, and an underlying sense of humor, make The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin’ a fascinating watch. It provides not only an insight into the man behind the clown persona but also a broader understanding of the eras that shaped him. A feel-good film at heart, this documentary manages to encapsulate the spirit of one man whose life mission has been to spread laughter, love, and helpfulness to as many people as possible.

In conclusion, The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin’ is an enchanting, enlightening biographical documentary that immortalizes the life and legacy of Wavy Gravy. It's an invaluable trip down memory lane for those who lived through the tumultuous sixties and seventies while offering a firsthand glimpse into a transformative era to younger generations. The film is a celebration of a life lived to the fullest, filled with love, humor, activism, and abundance of tie-dye, delivering a truly unique cinematic experience.