OSCILLOSCOPE ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO ‘WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: A MAN WITHIN’
By Oscilloscope
Burroughs doc is an insightful look at the revolutionary author, will be released Fall 2010
Doc will Premiere on PBS’ Independent Lens 2010-2011 Season
New York, NY (June 2, 2010) – Oscilloscope Laboratories announced today that it has acquired North American distribution rights to Yony Leyser’s fascinating documentary, WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: A MAN WITHIN, a tender and vibrant portrait of the life and work of the Beat author and American icon. The film premiered at the 2010 Slamdance Film Festival. Oscilloscope will release the film theatrically in the Fall of 2010 followed by a DVD and digital release. WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: A MAN WITHIN will also have a broadcast premiere as part of the PBS Independent Lens series during the 2010/2011 season.
Featuring never-before-seen archival footage of Burroughs, as well as exclusive interviews with colleagues and confidants including John Waters, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Gus Van Sant, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, Sonic Youth, Laurie Anderson, Amiri Baraka, Jello Biafra, and David Cronenberg, WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: A MAN WITHIN is a probing, yet loving look at the man whose works at once savaged conservative ideals, spawned countercultural movements, and reconfigured 20th century culture. The film is narrated by Peter Weller, with a soundtrack by Patti Smith and Sonic Youth.
Burroughs was one of the first writers to break the boundaries of queer and drug culture in the 1950’s. His novel Naked Lunch is one of the most recognized and respected literary works of the 20th century and has influenced generations of artists. The intimate documentary breaks the surface of the troubled and brilliant world of one of the greatest authors of all time.
David Fenkel, Oscilloscope partner, said, “Yony has managed to make a film that captures so much of what Burroughs was about and what he means to so many people.”
Yony Leyser said, “Oscilloscope manages to balance releases that are not only artistic, but also socially conscious and culturally relevant, and PBS’s Independent Lens series is an inspiring venue for new voices in world cinema. I’m excited that this film is being released by them, and I think Burroughs would be too.”
Lois Vossen, Independent Lens Producer stated, “Independent Lens is very pleased to premiere WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: A MAN WITHIN in our 2010-2011 season. Our broadcast will introduce a new generation to Burroughs’ writings, and allow audiences already familiar with his work to uncover new details about the troubled, brilliant world of one of the great authors of the last century. Yony Leyser has created an artistic, innovative film worthy of this complex, influential, and ultimately fascinating man.”
Josh Braun and Jason Janego of Submarine negotiated both deals with David Fenkel on behalf of Oscilloscope and Lois Vossen on behalf of Independent Lens. George Rush provided legal services on behalf of the filmmaker.