Watch Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton
- NR
- 2013
- 1 hr 28 min
-
7.2 (110)
Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton is a 2013 documentary film that tells the story of one of America's most influential underground filmmakers, James Broughton. Directed by Stephen Silha and Eric Slade, the film is a celebration of Broughton's life and career as an experimental filmmaker, gay rights activist, and poet. The documentary chronicles Broughton's life from his childhood in Modesto, California to his years as a filmmaker and poet in San Francisco during the 1950s and 60s. It explores his personal relationships, including his marriages and love affairs with both men and women, as well as his artistic and spiritual journey.
The film features interviews with many of Broughton's friends and collaborators, including poet and writer Neeli Cherkovski, sound artist Jack Foley, and filmmaker Joel Singer. These interviews provide insights into Broughton's creative process, as well as his impact on the avant-garde film scene.
Broughton's work was known for its surrealism and playfulness, and the film captures these qualities in its own style. Incorporating animation, archival footage, and interviews, Big Joy blends different forms of media to create a collage-like narrative that mirrors Broughton's approach to filmmaking.
The documentary also emphasizes the importance of Broughton's work in the context of the gay rights movement. Broughton was openly gay at a time when it was still considered taboo, and his films were an important part of the push for greater representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.
Overall, Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton is a moving and engaging tribute to one of America's most unique and creative minds. The film captures Broughton's spirit of exploration and playfulness, and demonstrates how his work continues to inspire artists and activists today. For fans of experimental film, queer history, and poetry, this documentary is a must-see.
Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.