Watch Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell

Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell is a 2008 documentary film that focuses on the life, career, and musical legacy of Arthur Russell. The film is directed by Matt Wolf and features interviews with Russell's family, friends, and collaborators such as Bob Blank, Ernie Brooks, and David Byrne. The film takes its name from a song by Arthur Russell, which showcases the artist's unique musical style, that blended various genres, including disco, folk, rock, and classical. The documentary delves deep into Russell's fascinating career trajectory, which started in the early 1970s when he moved to New York City to join the thriving downtown music scene. He worked as a session musician, producer, and composer and collaborated with musicians such as Allen Ginsberg, David Byrne, and Philip Glass.

The film provides an intimate portrait of Russell's personal life, his struggles with HIV/AIDS, and his impact on the music industry. The documentary features never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with Russell's family, friends, and collaborators. Through these interviews, the film pays tribute to Russell's unique musical vision, which continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

One of the highlights of the film is the exploration of Arthur Russell's innovative musical style. The documentary features performances of some of Russell's most iconic songs, including "Is It All Over My Face?" and "This Is How We Walk on the Moon." The film also provides insights into Russell's approach to music-making, which was based on experimentation and a willingness to blend disparate musical genres.

Another important element of the film is the intimate portrayal of Russell's personal life. The viewer gets a sense of Arthur Russell's warmth, humor, and sensitivity through interviews with his family members and friends. The film also explores Russell's struggles with HIV/AIDS, which tragically cut his career short. The documentary portrays Russell's death in 1992 at the age of 40 as a profound loss, not just to the music industry, but to the world.

Overall, Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell is a heartfelt tribute to a unique and visionary artist. The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and music of Arthur Russell, whose influence continues to be felt in the music industry today. For fans of Russell's music, this documentary is a must-see. For those who are new to Russell's work, the film provides an excellent introduction to an artist who was ahead of his time. Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell is a moving and insightful documentary that celebrates the life and legacy of a truly unique artist.

Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.