Watch Salinger

Salinger is a documentary film from 2013 that aims to uncover the mystery surrounding one of the most influential and secretive figures in American literature, J.D. Salinger. Directed by Shane Salerno, the film features interviews with over 150 subjects, including friends, family members, colleagues and admirers, as well as never-before-seen footage and photographs, in an attempt to provide a comprehensive look at Salinger's life and career.

Narrated by Salerno, the film begins with an overview of Salinger's early life in New York City, where he was born in 1919. It then delves into his experiences serving in World War II, which had a profound impact on his writing and worldview. Salinger's most famous work, The Catcher in the Rye, is explored in depth, with particular attention paid to its enduring popularity and controversy. The film highlights various interpretations of the novel, including its existential themes, its significance as a coming-of-age story, and its portrayal of alienation and youth culture.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the film is its focus on Salinger's reclusive lifestyle. After the success of The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger withdrew from public life and refused to give interviews or make any public appearances. However, through interviews with friends and acquaintances, the film offers insight into Salinger's daily routine, as well as his creative process and the genesis of his other works, such as Franny and Zooey and Nine Stories.

Throughout the film, various celebrities and writers offer their own takes on Salinger's work, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, and Judd Apatow. The film also examines Salinger's relationship with women, particularly his ill-fated marriage to Claire Douglas, and his interest in Eastern spirituality and philosophy.

The film is divided into nine parts, each exploring a different aspect of Salinger's life and legacy. These include his relationships with his family and friends, his experience in World War II, and his literary career. The final section of the film details Salinger's death in 2010 and his legacy, including the possibility of posthumous publication of his previously unpublished work.

Overall, Salinger is a comprehensive and engaging documentary that offers new insights into one of the most enigmatic figures in American literature. While it may not answer all of the questions surrounding Salinger and his work, it offers a wealth of information and a deep appreciation for his enduring impact on the canon of American literature.

Salinger is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 40.