Review #11 - Hubert Selby Jr.: It'll Be Better Tomorrow (2006)

Here's our Netflix info, my little chickens:

"This documentary chronicles the fascinating life story of influential American writer Hubert Selby Jr., author of such books as Last Exit to Brooklyn and Requiem for a Dream. Follow Selby's ups and downs from his years of heroin addiction to the critical and financial success of his first book. Celebrity guests such as Lou Reed, Henry Rollins, Ellen Burstyn and Darren Aronofsky share personal stories and reflections on Selby's work and influence."

Ever heard of Hubert Selby Jr.? No? Me either. But worry not, this is a learning experience! Come explore with me, dearest reader!

RDJR serves as the narrator for this particular documentary, which opens with above noted celebrities and various other artistic types alternately describing Selby as "profane" and "insane", or some variation thereof. I'm thinking this is going to be an intense ride.

It was intense all right. Of all the documentaries I've seen in my colorful little life, this one has set the bar for all to follow. A little hippity-hop jump during the bunny dance at your cousin's wedding would get you over. Future documentary makers - fall below this bar and the your work may be utilized by medical professionals to relax patients for oral surgery or cesarean deliveries.

Paint drying. Mold growing. Bunnies dusting. There was actually a 10-minute conversation about PUNCTUATION and SENTENCE STRUCTURING. Are you feeling it yet?

If you are ever told that you have 1 hour and 19 minutes left to live, rent this movie. Your last hour on the planet will feel like it lasted a friggin' eternity.

As is frequently the case, all gels in the end. You see, dear reader, it was basically explained to me that, as an American Christian with conservative political and social views, there's no way that my bigoted, dense, dank, ignorant, deluded, deceived little mind could wrap itself around the greatness that was Herbert Selby. Ah, it's all coming together now.

What a shame that a seemingly colorful life was reduced to this morphine drip.

I give it a 3, because we are early on in this glorious Project and I want to preserve my 1's and 2's (there's a Ralph Macchio flick coming up, after all).

Tina