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Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell
- Director: Matt Wolf
- Producer: Philip Aarons; Shelley Fox Aarons
CGiii Comment
Who?
From Chuck to Arthur - Russell was a musician from the mid-west - armed with his cello, he did not set the world on fire - never has the cello sounded so horrible.
He rubbed body parts with Ginsberg, hung out with Glass and produced experimental music (some would refer to it as noise pollution) and then went a little funky (thank Darwin) and found a sliver of success and then blew it.
He never finished anything...he was, indeed, a difficult chap.
The problem with this film is simple: liking the music is crucial and that is as difficult as tolerating wailing sirens in each ear.
And...he wasn't a particularly pleasant person.
There are too many proclamations of his genius...without any proof.
It is made with admiration and love by/for friends and family - RIP.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
A portrait, mostly chronological, of composer, cellist, and vocalist Arthur Russell (1951-1992). His parents, friends and colleagues such as Allen Ginsberg and Philip Glass, his long-time companion Tom Lee, and others provide commentary. Arthur is shy, acne-scarred, from the prairie, constantly composing, and not always finishing works. After a few years in San Francisco, he settles in New York City and becomes music director at the Kitchen. He bridges pop and classical, records disco music with Lola Blank, has an unsuccessful collaboration with Robert Wilson, and is part of several bands. In archival clips, we see him perform. He leaves hundreds of tapes and other recordings.
Cast & Characters
Bob Blank as Himself;
Ernie Brooks as Himself;
Allen Ginsberg as Himself;
Philip Glass as Himself;
Steven Hall as Himself;
Steve Knutson as Himself;
Tom Lee as Himself;
Jens Lekman as Himself;
Lola Love as Himself;
Malachy O'Neill as Birthday Party Boy #1;
Oscar O'Neill as Birthday Party Boy #2;
Pascal O'Neill as Birthday Party Boy #3;
Chuck Russell as Himself;
Emily Russell as Himself;
Will Socolov as Himself