Fear of Poetry

Overview

An improvisatory 40-minute foray into a fervent, formative period in the lives of poets such as Dennis Cooper, Benjamin Weissman, Amy Gerstler, and Bob Flanagan, who took part in Cooper’s famed Wednesday Night Poetry readings. Drawing on archival footage from those gatherings, including interviews and readings, Fear of Poetry presents a snapshot of Venice in the 1980s: a chorus of punks, poets, artists, and performers co-existing in a place where, according to Flanagan, “love is still possible.”

Directed by Gail Kaszynski

Top cast

Dennis Cooper

Self

B

Bob Flanagan

Self

B

Benjamin Weissman

Self

A

Amy Gerstler

Self

J

Jack Skelley

Self

J

Jocelyn Fisher

Self

S

Sherrie Levin

Self

D

Debbie Patino

Self

A

Annie Powell

Self

E

Ed Smith

Self

Details