Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia

Few writers had a more profound impact on post-WWII American pop culture than Gore Vidal (1925-2012). Whether using his novels and plays to tackle once-taboo subjects or appearing on TV to raise political debate to a new level of sarcastic wit, Vidal was an intellectual force who entertained and aggravated audiences. Nicholas Wrathall's documentary features many of Vidal's most celebrated epigrams and interviews, along with clips of infamous TV appearances—including the rancorous 1968 ABC News debates with William F. Buckley Jr., and Vidal's 1971 smackdown of Norman Mailer on Dick Cavett's talk show. Vidal was at his best when he offered provocative statements about the rich and powerful individuals who were part of his life, including a cruel diagnosis of John F. Kennedy's administration (which he called “disastrous,” claiming that Kennedy offered more charm than competence as a leader). But for someone who thrived in the limelight, Vidal also set limits on what could be discussed about his own life. The documentary barely touches on Vidal's poor relationship with his mother (who he dismissed as an alcoholic), overlooks many of his less controversial works, and lets pass Vidal's oddly unconvincing insistence that his longtime relationship with companion Howard Austen was completely nonsexual. (Despite being a pioneering advocate of gay rights, Vidal never identified as gay.) Still, this is overall an entertaining tribute to a distinctive and complex talent. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)