Dive into the immersive world of ‘Nova ’78’, a documentary that celebrates the life and influence of William S. Burroughs amidst New York’s vibrant post-punk scene.
‘Nova ’78’ Review: A Celebration of William S. Burroughs
Imagine attending a performance where Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is absent, and Patti Smith takes the stage to announce it, reciting a poem and offering refunds from her own pocket, while Frank Zappa fills in. Now, envision that this is not merely a concert, but a multimedia tribute to an author — William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) — a legendary counterculture writer whose influence on the ’60s remains unmatched today. Nova ’78, compiled from original footage of a three-day event at Manhattan’s Entermedia Theater in 1978, serves as an immersive time capsule that encapsulates the artistic spirit of New York post-punk, further affirming Burroughs’ foresight in political futurology.
The Nova Convention: A Glimpse into the Past
Filmed by Howard Brookner, who is also the subject of Aaron Brookner’s 2016 documentary Uncle Howard, Nova ’78 offers no easy explanations for those unfamiliar with the art-rock-lit scene of the era. Surprises abound, including an awkward interpretive dance performed to a tone poem, revealing a collaboration between Merce Cunningham and John Cage. Directors Brookner and Rodrigo Areias wisely reserve such details for later in the film, mirroring the event’s unfolding nature (notably, Jim Jarmusch was the sound man at the time). This was a period when a new culture emerged from the remnants of the ’60s, with figures like Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, and Brion Gysin gaining prominence.
Reflections on Age and Culture
In contrast to the youth-centric rebellion seen in the U.K. with The Sex Pistols, American punk was more inclusive regarding age. This sentiment is echoed in Terry Southern’s famous introduction, where he describes Burroughs as “grand, groovy and beloved,” while referencing the recent tragedy at Jonestown in Guyana. Burroughs, in a darkly humorous moment, pretends to read a note from Dr. Benway, a character from his novel Naked Lunch, offering a sardonic excuse for his absence.
Burroughs’ Manifesto and Cultural Commentary
As the documentary progresses, Burroughs struggles to articulate what the Nova Convention represents, likely reflecting the chaotic cultural moment in which he found himself at 64. At this juncture, America faced an identity crisis, and his earlier readers were beginning to grasp his insights. In the ’60s, his heroin addiction was seen as rebellious, but by the post-Watergate ’70s, it became a chilling metaphor for societal control.
Some may find Nova ’78 daunting as a documentary, particularly when Burroughs presents his manifesto, which posits that space is the future, albeit not for the same reasons as Elon Musk. He argues for a new dimension rather than merely changing environments, stating, “It is necessary to travel; it is not necessary — and it’s becoming increasingly difficult — to live.” However, these ideas often elude the audience, appearing more like science fiction, which is where many of Burroughs’ works ended up in bookstores.
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Despite its retrospective nature, Nova ’78 showcases Burroughs as a visionary; while he seems perplexed by the tributes in his honor, he would not be surprised by today’s world. He sought an escape long ago.
Title: Nova ’78
Festival: Locarno (Out of Competition)
Directors: Aaron Brookner, Rodrigo Areias
International sales: Pinball London
Running time: 1 hr 18 mins
