Hubert Selby Jr., 2 ou 3 choses...
Hubert Selby Jr., 2 ou 3 choses...

Movie spotlight

Hubert Selby Jr., 2 ou 3 choses...

2000
Movie
53 min
French

In 1998, Ludovic Cantais followed Hubert Selby Jr in his daily life and made him talk about the genesis of his work, his writing, his doubts and his obsessions.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Serge QuadratusGenres: Documentary, Biography

Plot Summary

This documentary offers an intimate look into the life and work of the controversial American author Hubert Selby Jr., known for his raw and unflinching portrayals of urban life and human struggle. Through interviews with the author and notable literary figures, the film delves into his influences, his writing process, and the enduring impact of his provocative novels like 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' and 'Requiem for a Dream'. It explores the themes of addiction, sexuality, and societal alienation that defined his literary legacy. The documentary seeks to understand the man behind the intensely personal and often disturbing narratives. It examines his journey from a troubled youth to a celebrated, albeit notorious, literary voice.

Critical Reception

The documentary received a modest but appreciative reception, largely from niche audiences interested in counter-culture literature and film. Critics noted its raw honesty and the power of Selby Jr.'s own voice, though some found the pacing slow. Audiences familiar with Selby's work generally responded positively to the in-depth portrait of the author.

What Reviewers Say

  • A raw and unflinching look at a literary provocateur.

  • Highlights the difficult but important themes in Selby Jr.'s work.

  • Provides valuable insight into the mind of a unique American writer.

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

Fun Fact

The title '2 ou 3 choses...' is a deliberate reference to Jean-Luc Godard's 1967 film '2 ou 3 choses que je sais d'elle' (2 or 3 things I know about her), reflecting a shared interest in exploring the complexities of human experience.

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