Though Obscene tells the story without fully exploring its nuances, that story is both fascinating and more than a little inspiring.
Comment
10/02/08
Obscene: A Portrait Of Barney Rosset And Grove Press (2008)
95
%
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Reviews Counted:22
Fresh:21
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.3/10
Theatrical Release:Sep 26, 2008 Limited
Synopsis: Cultural luminaries as varied as John Waters, Amiri Baraka, John Sayles, and Erica Jong join for the common cause of celebrating the career and influence of Barney Rosset. As the publisher of Grove... [More]
Starring: Barney Rosset, Amiri Baraka, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Al Goldstein
Director: Neil Ortenberg, Daniel O'Connor
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Reviews for Obscene: A Portrait Of Barney Rosset And Grove Press
The doc formally mirrors its subject in its pacing, which balances the titillation/education of the doc's subject with consistent and pleasantly teasing speed and tone from start to finish.
09/30/08
While the filmmakers squander some excellent opportunities that might have helped to illuminate the contradictions in their subject, this remains a fascinating study of an unrepentant American maverick.
02/27/09
Those who didn't live through this period and take for granted the totality of free expression enjoyed today will have their eyes opened by this homage.
09/26/08
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10/18/08
This is the kind of art house documentary that inspires the right kind of social rebellion.
09/06/08
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10/18/08
With testimony from scads of heyday contributors and an infectious design reflecting Grove Press's innovative cover art ... the filmmakers could have shelved the weaker bits without missing a beat.
11/23/08
An entertaining docu-tribute.
02/27/09
... a justified tribute to [Barney] Rosset, who in his mid-80s is still feisty, with a refreshingly lighthearted attitude toward all he accomplished.
11/12/08
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10/18/08
A compelling documentary about [Barney Rosset] directed by neophytes Neil Ortenberg and Daniel O'Connor.
09/26/08
A warm, entertaining compendium of counterculture voices (including Jim Carroll and Amiri Baraka) and literary landmarks.
09/26/08
Top CriticClick to read the article
10/18/08
This film is an engaging portrait of the man and a fair assessment of his achievement.
03/06/09
An entertaining and engrossing film.
07/10/09
Brilliant social history about one of the greatest publishers of the modern epoch, even if he is "Human, All Too Human"
01/29/09
Obscene, a tribute to New York publisher Barney Rosset, is an entertaining reminder of the ferocity of the culture wars of the 1950s and '60s.
09/05/08
Rosset is a lively subject, and his interviews (over many years) provide an oral history of his life and times.
11/21/08
The focus of Obscene remains steadfastly on the man, thanks to a rich variety of archival and interview clips that span his entire career and a slew of colleagues, fiends and enemies.
11/21/08
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