Watch Chris & Don: A Love Story

Chris & Don: A Love Story is a compelling documentary that explores the unique relationship between English poet W.H. Auden and American artist Don Bachardy. The film, released in 2007, is directed by Tina Mascara and Guido Santi and features interviews with Bachardy, archival footage of Auden, and excerpts from their correspondence.

The film begins by introducing the two main characters, who met in 1937 when Auden was 30 and Bachardy was 18. They fell in love almost immediately and embarked on a romantic relationship that lasted until Auden's death in 1973. Throughout the film, Bachardy describes his deep love for Auden and shares intimate details about their life together.

As the documentary unfolds, we learn more about the personalities of both men. Auden is portrayed as reserved and intellectual, while Bachardy is outgoing and passionate about art. The two men complement each other well, with Auden often providing emotional support to Bachardy and encouraging his artistic pursuits.

The film explores the challenges the couple faced as a gay couple in the mid-20th century, particularly during a time when homosexuality was still considered illegal. Despite the social pressures they faced, Auden and Bachardy remained devoted to each other and their love continued to thrive.

In addition to exploring their personal relationship, the film also delves into their professional lives. Auden is hailed as one of the most important poets of the 20th century, while Bachardy is a successful artist known for his portraits of literary figures and Hollywood celebrities. We see how their respective careers intersected and how they often collaborated on projects together.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the use of archival footage and photographs to give viewers a glimpse into their life together. We see Auden and Bachardy traveling the world, attending parties, and spending quiet evenings at home. These moments are juxtaposed with present-day interviews with Bachardy, who reflects on their life together and the impact that their love had on his art.

Throughout the film, we are reminded of the deep and enduring love that Auden and Bachardy shared. Their relationship is truly a unique and remarkable love story that transcended social norms and endured for over three decades.

In conclusion, Chris & Don: A Love Story is a beautifully crafted documentary that explores the compelling relationship between two creative and passionate men. Through interviews, correspondence, and archival footage, the film provides a poignant and intimate portrait of their love and the impact that it had on their lives and careers. It is a touching and inspiring tribute to love that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the power of human connection.

Chris & Don: A Love Story is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 81.