Louie Bluie DVD

Studio: Criterion

Nov 22, 2010 By Paul Bullock Bookmark and Share


Terry Zwigoff's (Crumb, Bad Santa) debut film remains as relevant today as it was when it finally saw release in 1985. Louie Bluie is the product of an obsessive, who spent over five years and the majority of his savings teaching himself how to make a film about something that he truly loved. All of Zwigoff's efforts still shine, especially his portrayal of the magnetic title character Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong. Zwigoff's clear rapport with his subject allows Armstrong to share his art in all its joyful and obscene glory. His overwhelming charisma and masterful, self-taught musical abilities are nearly perfectly complimented by Zwigoff's direction and Victoria Lewis' editing.

At 60 minutes, the film is absolutely the proper length. It gives the audience more than just a cursory look at the characters but doesn't linger long enough to bore or heap unnecessary praise. Instead, it makes Armstrong and his contemporaries mythic. And, like any great performer, Louie Bluie leaves its audience begging for more. (www.criterion.com)

Author rating: 8/10

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