Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell

Sep 26 2008 Not Rated 1h 11m
Documentary, Romance

Wild Combination is a visually absorbing portrait of the seminal avant-garde composer, singer-songwriter, cellist, and disco producer Arthur Russell. Before his death in 1992, Arthur prolifically created music that spanned both pop and the transcendent possibilities of abstract art. Now, over fifteen years since his passing, Arthur's work is finally finding its audience. Wolf incorporates rare archival footage and commentary from Arthur's family, friends, and closest collaborators to tell this poignant and important story.

Plot

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.

Written by

N/A

Directed by

Matt Wolf

Cast

Bob Blank, Ernie Brooks, David Byrne

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Polari Pictures

Languages

English

Awards

1 win & 2 nominations

Trailers
Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell Trailer
Scores
# of Votes
810
Average Rating
7.3 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA