Paul Auster: What If 2019
Dive into the mind of literary giant Paul Auster with *Paul Auster: What If (2019)*, Sabine Lidl's intimate documentary that unravels the author's creative universe on the eve of his latest novel.
Director: Sabine Lidl
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Auster: What If (2019) about?
This documentary offers a rare glimpse into the life and work of Paul Auster, focusing on the themes of identity and belonging that define his writing. It explores his connection to New York City, the setting of many of his novels, and how his personal experiences shape his fictional worlds. The film culminates in a reflection on his latest novel, offering insights into his creative process.
Who directed Paul Auster: What If?
Sabine Lidl directed this thoughtful documentary, which balances biographical detail with artistic introspection.
Who stars in Paul Auster: What If?
The documentary features Paul Auster and his wife, Siri Hustvedt, alongside actors Aaron Altaras, Burghart Klaußner, and Andrea Sawatzki, who bring Auster's narratives to life.
Is Paul Auster: What If (2019) worth watching?
As a documentary, *Paul Auster: What If* shines for fans of literary biographies and those curious about the interplay between life and art. While it doesn't boast a high-profile cast outside the documentary format, its 54-minute runtime makes it an accessible exploration of a writer whose work has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature.
How long is Paul Auster: What If?
The documentary runs for 54 minutes.
About Paul Auster: What If (2019) — A 54-minute journey into the mind of a literary legend
Dive into the mind of literary giant Paul Auster with *Paul Auster: What If (2019)*, Sabine Lidl's intimate documentary that unravels the author's creative universe on the eve of his latest novel. This 54-minute exploration traces Auster's lifelong fascination with identity, coincidence, and the soul of New York—cities both real and imagined—through his own reflections and the voices of those closest to his work. With a blend of archival footage and candid interviews featuring Auster and his wife, writer Siri Hustvedt, the film captures the ebb and flow of a city that has shaped and been shaped by his prose.
Filmed with a painterly eye for detail, *Paul Auster: What If* blends biography with meditation, weaving together the personal and the literary. Aaron Altaras, Burghart Klaußner, and Andrea Sawatzki bring Auster's words to life in dramatized sequences, while his collaborator Sam Messer offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. The result is a portrait of a man whose stories feel like lifelines—threads connecting the chaos of human existence to the quiet magic of storytelling.