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SESSION 1
Les Blank Retrospective
Sun
4
Sun Dec 4 1:00 PM
Arc Cinema (Canberra)
General Admission
December
A WELL SPENT LIFE (1971, 44 min)
Many people consider Texas bluesman, Mance Lipscomb, to be the greatest blues guitarist and songster of all time. This film is a glowing portrait of the man, as a legendary musician but also life-long husband and sharecropper. Les Blank’s energetic editing style intertwines these different strands of Lipscomb’s personality, crafting an ambivalent work of Americana reported to be Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s favourite film. Instead of growing bitter, tough times made Lipscomb sweet.
ALWAYS FOR PLEASURE (1978, 57 min)
Les Blank’s celebration of the spirit and social traditions of New Orleans, featuring Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It is an insider’s portrait of New Orleans’ street celebrations and the unique cultural gumbo of Second-line parades, Mardi Gras and the Jazz Fest. The film features live music by Professor Longhair, The Wild Tchoupitoulas, the Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, Kid Thomas Valentine and more.
Les Blank’s celebration of the spirit and social traditions of New Orleans, featuring Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It is an insider’s portrait of New Orleans’ street celebrations and the unique cultural gumbo of Second-line parades, Mardi Gras and the Jazz Fest. The film features live music by Professor Longhair, The Wild Tchoupitoulas, the Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, Kid Thomas Valentine and more.
THE BLUES ACCORDIN' TO LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS (1968, 31 min).
The great Texas bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins is captured brilliantly in this deeply moving film. Blank reveals Lightnin’s inspiration and features a generous helping of classic blues.
The great Texas bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins is captured brilliantly in this deeply moving film. Blank reveals Lightnin’s inspiration and features a generous helping of classic blues.