Lord, Let Me Die but Not Die Out

About This Movie

This 1970 documentary dives deep into the mind of contemporary American poet James Dickey, capturing him on a three-week lecture tour. The film has this raw, intimate vibe, letting you feel his thoughts and emotions through his poetry readings and candid conversations. You get a real sense of who he is—his struggles, musings, and even a chat with fellow poet Robert Lowell about dreams. It’s not just about poetry; it’s about the essence of being a poet in that era. The pacing feels organic, like you're part of the journey. It's a bit rough around the edges, but that just adds to its charm as a slice-of-life look into the poetic world.

This documentary, being somewhat obscure, has a limited number of available copies, with a few original prints still floating around. The rarity factor definitely piques collector interest, especially those who appreciate poetry and the literary scene of the time. It hasn’t received widespread attention, so it often flies under the radar, making it a unique find for anyone looking to delve into the world of 1970s American poetry.