Walt Whitman 2004
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Tranquilo Productions/Chris Scherer
Directed by Pablo Garcia
VHS, color, 21 min.
Jr. High - Adult
American Studies, Biography, Literature, Poetry, Writing
Date Entered: 10/14/2004
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasPart of the series "Six Poets: Searching for Rhyme and Reason," this film is about the life, philosophy, and writings of Walk Whitman. Specifically, the video focuses on how Whitman's unique and unorthodox manner of writing poetry and prose helped to make his book Leaves of Grass the first true American poetry ever published. Whitman addressed his readers directly, did not follow prescribed rules regarding the construction of poetry and prose, yet helped to influence an entire generation of writers both in America and abroad. The video discusses the various editions of "Leaves of Grass," each very different and containing very different content from each other.
Though only 21 minutes in length, this is a concise, well-organized introduction to the life and writings of Walt Whitman. Occasional recitations from his writings are included. The filming was rather strange color-wise and presentation-wise - garish yellow and orange colors were often superimposed on scenes from 19th-century New York where Whitman grew up and did most of his writing. Other than feeling like one is in a surreal landscape all the time, the video is recommended as a quick introduction to the life and writings of Whitman. This film is also available on DVD.