It's Not All True
It's Not All True

Movie spotlight

It's Not All True

1986
Movie
95 min
Portuguese

Orson Welles goes to Brazil to shoot his documentary It's All True.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Norman MailerGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary by Norman Mailer attempts to explore the life and works of controversial writer William S. Burroughs. It delves into his unconventional lifestyle, his literary impact, and the philosophical underpinnings of his often shocking narratives. The film mixes interviews, archival footage, and Mailer's own commentary to create a portrait of a unique literary figure.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'It's Not All True' received mixed reviews, with critics often divided on Mailer's directorial approach to profiling Burroughs. Some praised the film for its in-depth look at a complex literary icon, while others found it to be rambling or overly self-indulgent on Mailer's part. Audiences were similarly split, with fans of Burroughs often appreciating the exploration of his life, but general viewers sometimes finding the subject matter and style challenging.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intellectual exploration of William S. Burroughs's legacy.

  • Criticized for Norman Mailer's sometimes unfocused directorial style.

  • Considered a challenging but rewarding watch for those interested in counter-culture literature.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific documentary is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'It's Not All True,' is a direct reference to a quote by William S. Burroughs.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review