Watch The Pleasures of Being Out of Step: Notes on the Life of Nat Hentoff

The Pleasures of Being Out of Step: Notes on the Life of Nat Hentoff is a documentary film that explores the life and legacy of journalist, author, and civil libertarian Nat Hentoff. The film was released in 2013 and features interviews with Hentoff himself, as well as his colleagues and friends in the world of jazz, literature, and politics.

The film begins by introducing Nat Hentoff and his background as a Jewish kid from Boston who moved to New York City in the 1950s to pursue a career as a writer. He soon became involved in the jazz scene and began writing for downbeat magazine, one of the premier jazz publications of the era. He went on to become a more widely-known journalist, writing for the Village Voice for over fifty years, covering civil rights and social justice issues, and eventually becoming a syndicated columnist.

Throughout the film, we see clips of Hentoff speaking at various events, as well as footage of him in his home and office, surrounded by his vast collection of books, records, and memorabilia. There are also interviews with Hentoff's colleagues and friends, including jazz critic Dan Morgenstern, playwright Amiri Baraka, and civil rights activist Angela Davis.

One of the themes that emerges early on in the film is Hentoff's commitment to free expression and individual liberty. He was a vocal critic of censorship, both in the arts and in politics, and was an avid supporter of the First Amendment. This stance put him at odds with some of his peers on the left, who saw him as too conservative, but it also won him respect from many on the right, who admired his principled stance.

Another aspect of Hentoff's life that is explored in the film is his love for jazz music. He was a close friend of many musicians, including Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach, and he wrote extensively about the genre, both in print and in liner notes for albums. He also hosted a jazz program on WBAI, a public radio station in New York City, for over thirty years.

The film also delves into Hentoff's personal life, including his marriage to his wife Margot, who died in 2009. There are touching moments where Hentoff talks about his love for Margot, and it is clear that she was a very important figure in his life.

Overall, The Pleasures of Being Out of Step is a fascinating look at the life of one of America's most influential journalists and cultural critics. It successfully captures Hentoff's spirit and passion for free expression, as well as his love for jazz and literature. The interviews with Hentoff himself are particularly illuminating, as we get to hear his thoughts on a range of issues, including free speech, jazz, and his own mortality. Whether you are a fan of Hentoff's work or simply interested in the cultural and political landscape of mid-twentieth century America, this film is definitely worth watching.

The Pleasures of Being Out of Step: Notes on the Life of Nat Hentoff is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 68.