“Little Richard: I am Everything”, “Pinball”, “Kubrick on Kubrick”

There are a lot of Little Richard documentaries but this is the most most recent. And it’s really good. “Little Richard: I am Everything” (Amazon) is described by reviewers as “…the story of the Black, queer origins of rock n’ roll”. It is all that but so much more. the film traces the life and career of a truly revolutionary and conflicted musician, singer, songwriter. Born poor in Macon Giorgia, one of 12 children, remarkably he rose to fame in 1956 at barely 20 with “Tutti Frutti”, already having adopted his trademark flamboyant style and hyper-energetic performance. Credited as a major influence by so many white performers (Elvis Presley, Elton John, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones to name only a few) he was heartbreakingly ignored by the straight music establishment (you will cringe watching Pat Boone sing “Tutti Frutti”–his sales were higher than Little Richard’s). Film-wise, it is a well organized and insightful documentary with terrific historical footage. When you aren’t seething at the racial injustices Little Richard endured, you will be tapping your feet to the music of one of the world’s finest groundbreaking performers.

“Kubrick on Kubrick” (Kanopy, Amazon) is a compelling 2020 documentary that uses excerpts from 30 years of taped interviews/conversations of Kubrick and French film critic Michael Ciment. Not only is Kubrick the director many consider to be the world’s greatest filmmaker, but he is also viewed as possibly the most reclusive and enigmatic. You get that sense, but generally what he has to say is clarifying and often contradicts the “conventional wisdom” that fans have built over the years. The structure of the film is interesting– comments by Kubrick are interwoven with film clips and archival commentaries. Watching the clips reminded me of films I need to revisit (except for “The Shining” which would probably still leave me in a state of abject terror) such as “Eyes Wide Shut” which maybe I would appreciate more having heard Kubrick talk about it.

Until the early 70’s pinball was illegal in New York City and other cities across the country. The movie “Pinball” (Kanopy) is the story of how one young writer was able to get the city to legalize the game. It’s a true story but not a documentary. It’s great fun, albeit a bit awkward and slightly draggy at times. But I highly recommend it for an evening when you don’t want to have to think about much. If you are a pinball addict you will especially love it.

And my usual plea to let me know what YOU think of these movies! Also, suggestions for others too.