Watch The Practice of the Wild

The Practice of the Wild is a documentary film from 2010 that explores the life and work of writer, Jim Harrison, his close friend and fellow poet, Joanne Kyger, and poet Michael McClure. The movie is directed by John J. Heinz and produced by Christopher Beaver. The film is named after the book, The Practice of the Wild, written by Gary Snyder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and environmentalist who is a prominent figure in the Beat Generation. The Practice of the Wild is about the importance of preserving the natural world and living in harmony with the environment.

The Practice of the Wild is a multi-layered documentary that features personal interviews, archival footage, and footage of the writers' natural surroundings. It presents the lives and works of the three poets in a way that's both engaging and informative.

Jim Harrison is the central figure in the film. He was born in Michigan in 1937 and is known for his poetry, fiction, and essays. He's the author of over thirty books, including Legends of the Fall, Julip, and The English Major. The film explores the relationship between Harrison's writing and his love of the outdoors. The film includes footage of Harrison fly fishing, hunting, and hiking in the natural landscape of Montana, his adopted home state.

Joanne Kyger is a poet and Zen practitioner who was born in California in 1934. She was part of the San Francisco Renaissance and the Beat Generation and was friends with many of the most important writers of the time, including Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, and Jack Kerouac. The film examines Kyger's life and work and features interviews with her talking about her experiences with the Beats and her approach to writing.

Michael McClure is a poet and playwright who was born in Kansas in 1932. He was part of the Beat Generation and was a close friend of Allen Ginsberg and Gary Snyder. In the film, McClure talks about his poetry, his interest in ecology, and his work as an activist.

The film also includes interviews with other writers and artists who knew Harrison, Kyger, and McClure. The film features commentary from Robert Creeley, Dennis Hopper, Thomas McGuane, and several others.

Overall, The Practice of the Wild is a fascinating look at the lives and works of three important poets of the Beat Generation. The film celebrates their love of nature, their commitment to environmentalism, and their contributions to American literature. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the Beat Generation, American literature, or environmentalism.