Bukowski: Born Into This (2003): Dir: John Dullaghan / Featuring: Charles Bukowski, Linda Lee, John Martin, Bono, Marina Bukowski: Documentary about writer and poet Charles Bukowski whose work has achieved cult standing with his dark, cynical and somewhat comical view of life. Director John Dullaghan presents interview footage of Bukowski in colour and black and white where he discusses his abuse as a child as well as various sexual flings until he married Linda Lee, the one woman who seemed strong enough to tolerate his cynical and abusive nature. He worked at a post office and viewers are informed of the time he quit and his method of re-hire. John Martin was his editor and publisher who enabled Bukowski a salary while presenting his writing in print. Various celebrities comment on his work and behaviour but their contribution, however merit, do not add so much as distract from the more important subject, which is actual footage of Bukowski himself. Celebrities can tell much but they seem more as a marketing tool than an important collaborator. John Dullaghan's film should appeal to those scholars who study the intellect of men like Bukowski. He is presented as a man who saw only the dark side of life but delights us with his humorous presentation of it. He was born into a world where he saw no hope but scoffed the grim reality of humanity. Score: 8 ½ / 10
Review of Bukowski: Born into This
