Review of William S. Burroughs: The Final Academy Documents

Introduction

William Burroughs is the only American novelist working today who may conceivably be possessed of genius.

Norman Mailer said the above quote about William S. Burroughs - a man described as the first public figure to revel in the world of sex, drugs and rock `n` roll, a man who changed how literature was perceived entirely. So here is The Final Academy Documents: a collection of the films they made (they being Burroughs, Anthony Balch, Brion Gysin and John Giorno) and readings of their prose.

The disc is split up into two sections, 1962-1963 and 1983. From the 60s, the two short films, `Ghosts at No.9` and `Towers Open Fire`, are on offer. The former is a bizarre collection of clips and loud noises that just don`t go together, and make no sense whatsoever. And by the time the latter starts, you`re hoping it will be a completely different experience, but sadly it`s not. The second is even worse. From loud screeching noises to random clips of nothing, it will bore the hell out of you.

And then, onto the 1983 section. This was recorded in Manchester, and features poem and prose readings by the main players. This is at least more interesting, and not as bizarre. This section goes on for over an hour, and compared to the first section, it`s good entertainment. However, even this section is still poor and doesn`t merit more than one viewing.

Video

It is presented in 4:3 Fullscreen, and the quality is awful. From the lacklustre definition of the print, to the dust and grain scattered all over the black and white footage (1962-1963), it will make your eyes bleed. As for the 1983 footage, the colour is at least better, but there are compression signs and the visuals are poor, and again, the print is covered in dust and grain.

As mentioned above, the films are bizarre (the best compliment you can give them), and the other section is all set on a stage, so no amazing locales or breathtaking set-pieces.

Audio

The audio track on offer is almost as bad as the visuals, from the poor presentation of the main audio stream to the abundance of compression signs.

The dialogue (i.e. narration) is bearable, but the effects (i.e. music, if that`s what you want to call it) are awful. Not only are they presented badly, but even on a top-class DTS track they would sound bad.

Features

There are no extras on offer at all, apart from the mandatory chapter listings, and a static screen telling you of other Cherry Red Films releases.

Conclusion

Well, if you`re into surreal imagery and screeching audio, then this is right up your alley. But for normal people, this is one to avoid, unless you`re a die-hard fan of Burroughs and co.

Disc wise, it`s awful. From the awful presentation to the abscene of any extra material, there is nothing here that improves the main feature, and it does need improving.

Avoid this disc like the plague.