Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press 2008
"A Portrait Of Barney Rossett"
Dive into the fiery world of 1960s publishing with *Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press (2008)*, Neil Ortenberg's gripping documentary that chronicles the relentless battle of Barney Rosset to challenge censorship and revolutionize free expression.
Director: Neil Ortenberg
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press (2008) about?
This documentary explores the life and legacy of Barney Rosset, the maverick publisher who defied censorship to bring provocative works like Henry Miller's *Tropic of Cancer* into the public eye. It's a deep dive into the legal battles, cultural clashes, and literary triumphs of Grove Press during the 1960s.
Who directed Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press?
The film was directed by Neil Ortenberg, who masterfully weaves archival materials and firsthand accounts to tell Rosset's story.
Who stars in Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press?
The documentary features reflections from literary giants including Barney Rosset himself, Amiri Baraka, William S. Burroughs, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
Is Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press (2008) worth watching?
With its compelling blend of history and biography, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the intersection of literature and rebellion. While it doesn't have an IMDb rating, its subject matter and depth make it a standout in the genre.
How long is Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press?
The documentary runs for 97 minutes.
About Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press (2008) — The documentary that changed publishing forever
Dive into the fiery world of 1960s publishing with *Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press (2008)*, Neil Ortenberg's gripping documentary that chronicles the relentless battle of Barney Rosset to challenge censorship and revolutionize free expression. Through archival footage and interviews with literary legends like William S. Burroughs and Amiri Baraka, the film paints a vivid portrait of an era when Grove Press dared to publish banned works such as *Tropic of Cancer* and *Naked Lunch*. The atmosphere crackles with the tension of cultural upheaval, blending the raw energy of underground literature with the grit of legal battles that reshaped American publishing.
Rosset's crusade wasn't just about books—it was a fight for artistic freedom, a stand against obscenity laws that stifled voices from Jack Kerouac to Henry Miller. Ortenberg crafts a narrative that's as much a love letter to literature as it is a who's-who of counterculture icons, capturing the rebellious spirit of a man who refused to let morality dictate art.