A Poem is a Naked Person (1974) Review- By Michael J. Carlisle

Title: A Poem is a Naked Person
Year: 1974
Director: Les Blank
Country: US
Language: English

Prior to A Poem is a Naked Person I had not heard of Leon Russell. I wish I could say "he was before my time", but I'm quite aware of a lot of musicians who were "before my time". Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, Russell's music can be best described as a generous mix of Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson. He's a long-haired southern hippie who specializes in philosophical bluegrass. Quite a unique artist, his records are a must-listen.

A Poem is a Naked Person captures music and other events at Leon Russell's Oklahoma recording studio during a three-year period in the early 70's.  

Having been a producer of this film, Leon Russell did not allow it to be commercially distributed for many years. As of 2012, it could only be shown when presented by director Les Blank in person to a nonprofit organization. After Les Blanks' death Russell loosened up a bit when convinced by Blank's son to open up the distribution rights. In 2016 Criterion Collection would release a special edition of this bold and innovative picture, it is also available on TCM's streaming site Filmstruck. 

A Poem is a Naked Person is a very "free" film. "Free" from the typical documentary narrative and "free" from agenda, structure and subjective opinion. One moment we will be watching a mesmerizing Russell concert and another moment we'll be watching a...snake eating a chicken? You'll wonder if some scenes are relevant to the overall picture, although I suspect they help us get into the mind of this outrageous performer. 

If you've come to A Poem is a Naked Person expecting the opposite of weirdo hippie nonsense, then you are sadly mistaken. It's a documentary that borders a fine line between inspiring and dull, weird and pointless. I enjoyed it, but must admit that its certainly not for everyone.