A Poem Is A Naked Person is a fitting testament to the raw talent, creativity and genius in front and behind the camera. 40 years after it was made, Les Blank, perfectly captures the musical titan, Leon Russell. It is also a tribute to a time where it was all rock and roll and people cared little about how they looked and more about being in the moment and critical thinking.
Watching this film, I knew little about Leon Russell. A quick Wikipedia search will inform you that not only is he a signer but also a composer and songwriter of such classics: ” A song for you” and “superstar”. He’s been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. That natural talent is captured by Les Blank during the two years it took to shoot A Poem Is A Naked Person. However, more than just Leon Russell is captured, the time also. What do I mean? Well the 1970s when so much seemed possible. it’s refreshing that image or at least not a cultivated image wasn’t as important as it is in 2016.
Imagining the film made today, it would be Les Blank filming individuals taking endless selfies and then deleting them.
The Last Waltz by Martin Scorsese this isn’t. It is a documentary like no other – it captures the artist, his entourage and then the surroundings. It’s really a collection of vignettes, life on the road and the 1970s. Man – I wish that had been my era. Marvel at the freedom and enjoy the music.
A Poem Is A Naked Person is released in cinemas on Friday 8 July.
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