Overview
An uncompromisingly independent filmmaker, Les Blank (Burden of Dreams) made documentaries for nearly fifty years, elegantly disappearing with his camera into cultural spots rarely seen on-screen—mostly on the peripheries of the United States, but also occasionally abroad. Seemingly off-the-cuff yet poetically constructed, these films are humane, sometimes wry, always engaging tributes to musicians, food, and all sorts of regionally specific delights. This collector’s set put out by Criterion (see review) provides a diverse survey of Les Blank’s vast output, including the warmly funny The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins, about the legendary Texas musician; Always for Pleasure, which captures the vivacious spirit of New Orleans; Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers, a hilarious celebration of the pungent, flavorful “stinking rose” of the title; and eleven other unexpected features, plus eight of Blank’s short films. FILMS INCLUDED:Box Set contains 14 Les Blank films remastered by Criterion (average price $6.25 per film!)
A Well Spent Life (1971) Always for Pleasure (1978) Dry Wood (1973) Gap-Toothed Women (1987) Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980) God Respects Us When We Work, but Loves Us When We Dance (1968) Hot Pepper (1973) In Heaven There Is No Beer? (1984) Spend It All (1971) Sprout Wings and Fly (1983) Sworn to the Drum (1995) The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins (1968) The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists (1994) Yum, Yum, Yum (1990)
