Chances are you have never heard of Robert Wilson, unless, of course, you followed the Avant-Garde scene of the 60s, 70s and 80s in New York and Europe. Then you'd know that Wilson is probably THE most influential figure of the Experimental Theatre Movement, a creative genius and progressive thinker that brought stage performances into the new era of performance art.
As a highly prolific collaborator with some of America's most notorious underground icons like Philip Glass, Tom Waits or William S. Burroughs, Wilson managed to awe the theater world abroad with spectacles that lasted sometimes as long as a full week. His innovative choreography and completely new approach of visual story telling drew a huge following from places as unlikely as Iran and as far away as Australia. The home front however, stayed surprisingly quiet with respect to commercial success or celebrity although his following is substantial within the scene. Hailed by Europeans as a creative powerhouse for decades now, it comes as no surprise that a German filmmaker took on the task to chronicle Wilson's life and works.
Writer / director Katharina Otto follows the path of young Wilson from his conservative upbringing in Waco, TX, the restricted childhood and family life to his creative evolution and impact on the art scene of his days. Through original footage of his productions inter-cut with interviews of many of his contemporaries and Wilson himself, the composition awakes curiosity even if experimental theater is not your cup of tea. Robert Wilson is fascinating as a human being not just as an artist, reaching way beyond his expected platform.
Otto's documentary is a well orchestrated package with a refined appeal, allowing the viewer to completely focus on the subject as a man rather than an icon. Everything from camera, soundtrack to editing is flawless, highlighting the stark visions Wilson brought to the stage and his way of life. Educational, entertaining and often surprising; a piece of American Art History.
