Born in January 1809, Edgar Allan Poe would rise to preeminence among early American writers and is often taught in schools both in America and in the UK. While his stories and poetry are read far and wide, what do you actually know about the man who wrote them? In Search of Edgar Allan Poe dives deep into Poe’s past, seeking to be the definitive biography of the famed writer. We learn about the world that raised his mother before diving into every known detail of his life. The documentary is structured in two parts, allowing the viewer to see the entire arc of his life's journey and ensuing legacy.
In Search of Edgar Allan Poe is incredibly comprehensive, and in that aspect, it is a fantastic choice for those studying the author and poet. Through portraits, paintings, photographs, texts, narration, and expert interviews, this documentary provides a rich and detailed account of Poe’s life. From his difficult childhood to his academic accomplishments, his romances, and the tragedies that shaped him, viewers will gain a deep understanding of the complexities of his personal and professional journey.
A dry style and a penchant for semi-related topics taking over the narrative will cause many more casual viewers to lose interest, however. In Search of Edgar Allan Poe occasionally veers into tangents, highlighting connections between Poe and later influential figures like a future president or a renowned 20th-century writer. This adds a wider scope to the documentary, helping viewers understand how his work resonated across time and inspired future generations.
In some ways, this documentary fails in its stated quest to demythologize Poe, often exerting a lot of energy trying to rationalize things like the marriage to his 13-year-old cousin and his alcoholism instead of speaking about it with simple honesty: If we are demythologizing someone, we have to accept that they were possibly a flawed individual, and In Search of Edgar Allan Poe: Meet the Man Behind the Myth occasionally falls victim to “Great Man” mythologizing in some moments.
However, the documentary does offer a wealth of information and perspective for those seeking a deeper understanding of Poe. It does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive exploration of Poe’s life and the historical context that shaped his work. The numerous interviewees, including experts such as Chris Semtner, J. Gerald Kennedy, and Maya Kronfeld, lend a sense of authority to the narrative.
The extensive research and careful attention to detail make In Search of Edgar Allan Poe: Meet the Man Behind the Myth an invaluable resource for scholars and those with a strong interest in Poe’s lasting impact on literature. We also get detailed views of significant locations, such as The Poe Museum and the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, real-life places where viewers can visit for further research. Students, educators, or other viewers specifically looking for documentaries about Edgar Allan Poe will be very interested in this title.
How can In Search of Edgar Allan Poe be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
In Search of Edgar Allan Poe is an excellent addition to public libraries, especially for those offering comprehensive literary collections. It provides an in-depth exploration of one of the most important figures in American literature, making it valuable for patrons interested in literature, history, and biography. It would serve as a strong resource for book clubs, literary discussions, and those seeking to understand the complexities of Poe's life and work, adding significant value to libraries focused on literary education.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using In Search of Edgar Allan Poe?
In Search of Edgar Allan Poe would be beneficial for courses in American Literature, Creative Writing, and English History. It’s an invaluable resource for students majoring in English, American Studies, or Literature and would be an excellent companion to a course on 19th-century American writers or the Romantic literary period. The documentary offers detailed context on Poe’s life and work, making it useful for courses that study his poetry, short stories, and the cultural and historical influences that shaped his writing.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use In Search of Edgar Allan Poe in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs focused on education and culture could use In Search of Edgar Allan Poe for events like film screenings, educational discussions, or local history workshops. The documentary would be an engaging way to introduce Poe’s work to community members, with a focus on his cultural influence, literary contributions, and connections to later historical figures. It could also serve as a starting point for programs focused on American literature or even creative writing workshops, where participants could reflect on Poe’s impact on modern storytelling.
How could In Search of Edgar Allan Poe enhance special events on college campuses?
In Search of Edgar Allan Poe would make a fantastic addition to special events on college campuses, especially for those centered around literature, history, or American culture. It could be screened during literary festivals, writer’s workshops, or Poe-themed events, followed by discussions or panels exploring his influence on American literature. The documentary’s comprehensive approach to Poe’s life would stimulate interest in his works, serving as an educational and engaging way to dive deeper into his complex legacy.
What is the current pricing for In Search of Edgar Allan Poe?
The Blu-ray is priced at $23.99, and the DVD is priced at $19.99.
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Director's Bio
Andrew D. Kaplan (Producer, Writer, Director) is a documentary filmmaker, nonfiction author, and adjunct professor of journalism. He holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Maryland, an M.A. in Communication Studies from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. in Humanities from Yale University. He works as a Writer-Editor for the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice. Previous works include the 3-hour, 2-part documentary In Search of Walt Whitman, which aired on more than 75 PBS TV stations; the film In Search of Thoreau, about the life and works of Henry David Thoreau; and the book The Hidden Light, which explores the intersection of religion and spirituality. Andrew loves traveling, cats, meditation, walks in nature, watching sports, and the cinema. His favorite movie is Somewhere In Time and favorite TV programs are Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He resides in College Park, Maryland.
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Awards & Film Festivals
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