Watch Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder

Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder is a documentary film that takes a deep and intimate look into the life and works of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, an American poet, painter, and social activist. Directed by Christopher Felver, the film is a tribute to one of the most significant figures of the Beat Generation, who has been a prominent voice in American literature for over six decades.

The documentary features a mixture of vintage footage and modern interviews, providing an insight into Ferlinghetti's journey and the countercultural movement he helped shape. The film begins with Ferlinghetti's early life, including his childhood in an impoverished family and his military service during World War II. The film then moves on to exploring his literary career and the establishment of his iconic San Francisco bookstore, City Lights.

Throughout the documentary, Ferlinghetti's contemporaries and friends appear, including Allen Ginsberg, Dennis Hopper, Michael McClure, and Amiri Baraka, among others. They discuss Ferlinghetti's impact on modern literature and the political and social significance of his work, particularly as it relates to free speech and the radical activism of the 1960s.

In addition to discussing Ferlinghetti's literary works, the film explores his visual art, which has been overshadowed by his poetry. An accomplished painter, Ferlinghetti's art is whimsical, colorful, and unique. The film showcases some of his most famous paintings and sculptures, including his public artwork that can be seen throughout San Francisco.

Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder also delves into the politics surrounding the publication and sale of Howl, the controversial poem by Allen Ginsberg, which was published by City Lights in 1956. The recitation and publication of Howl led to a high-profile obscenity trial, which City Lights ultimately won, marking a significant victory for the freedom of speech and expression.

The documentary also provides insight into Ferlinghetti's personal life, including his relationships with women, his family, and his lifelong commitment to social and political activism. It is evident that Ferlinghetti's life and works have been shaped by his political and social views, and his desire to create art that has the power to change the world.

The film carefully balances its reverence for Ferlinghetti with its commitment to an honest and thoughtful exploration of his works and legacy. Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder is a documentary that is entertaining, insightful, and informative. It is an excellent tribute to a literary icon whose ideas, activism, and art continue to influence contemporary culture and society.

In conclusion, Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in literature, art, and politics. The film provides an honest and insightful look into the life and works of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, a literary icon and social activist whose influence on American culture is immeasurable.

Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 52.