Idolised by the likes of Kurt Cobain and Patti Smith, William S. Burroughs remains one of the most notorious and influential writers of the 20th Century. He wrote nightmarish books about drug addiction and sex, including Naked Lunch, filmed by David Cronenberg in 1991.

William S. Burroughs: A Man Within is a well-crafted, brand new documentary which attempts to open up the legendary figure and see what made him tick. Showing at the 54th BFI London Film Festival, Yony Leyser’s film is a riveting and emotional journey into the world of a man many considered as cold as an iceberg on a winter night.

Mixing up unseen footage, animated sequences and the input and opinion of John Waters, Gus Van Sant, David Cronenberg, Patti Smith, Jello Biafra, Iggy Pop, Laurie Anderson and Peter Weller, it is bound to be an arthouse hit.

FilmShaft has seen the movie and you can read our review right here.

Synopsis:

”The film investigates the life of legendary beat author and American icon, William S. Burroughs. Born the heir of the Burroughs’ adding machine estate, he struggled throughout his life with addiction, control systems and self. He was forced to deal with the tragedy of killing his wife and the repercussions of neglecting his son. His novel, Naked Lunch, was one of the last books to be banned by the U.S. government. Allen Ginsberg and Norman Mailer testified on behalf of the book. The courts eventually overturned their decision in 1966, ruling that the book had important social value. It remains one of the most recognized literary works of the 20th century.”