Signed book and DVD Absolute Wilson by Katharina Otto-Bernstein.
Courtesy of the artist
Location: New York
Opening price: $50
ABSOLUTE WILSON chronicles the epic life, times and creative genius of Robert Wilson, intimately revealing for the first time one of the most controversial, rule-breaking and downright mysterious artists of our era. More than a biography, the film becomes an exhilarating exploration of the transformative power of creativity itself – and the inspirational tale of a boy who grew up as a troubled and learning-disabled outsider in the American South only to become a fearless artist with a profoundly original perspective to share with the world. The probing yet playful narrative reveals the deep inter-connections between Wilson’s childhood experiences and the haunting beauty of his monumental works, which include the theatrical sensations “Deafman Glance,” “Einstein on the Beach” and “The CIVIL WarS.” Along the way, the film introduces an array of admirers, friends and critics — ranging from musician David Byrne to the late writer Susan Sontag to composer Phillip Glass and singer Jessye Norman, among others – who add insight as the film peels back layer after layer to get to a raw, forthcoming and uniquely moving view of how Wilson’s work emerged from an extraordinary life and a ceaseless yearning to communicate.
Katharina Otto-Bernstein spent five years following Robert Wilson around the world in order to capture him in ABSOLUTE WILSON. In addition to the film, she will publish a book on Wilson’s life and art in 2006.Otto-Bernstein studied philosophy and political science as an undergraduate at Columbia University and went on to study acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory. In 1993, she received her Master of Fine Arts in Directing and Screenwriting from Columbia University Film School. Since then she has had a distinguished career as a filmmaker with credits that include: “Coming Home,” a documentary she made in Berlin about the unification of German families; “The Second Greatest Story Ever Told,” a comedy featuring Mira Sorvino and Malcolm McDowell which was seen in the US on the Independent Film Channel; “The Need For Speed,” the story of hard-core bicycle messengers in New York City; and “When Night Falls Over Moscow,” a German television production about the illegal arms trade. Otto-Bernstein most recently wrote, directed and produced “Beautopia: The Dark Side of Modeling,” which followed four young models on the verge of becoming superstars. The film was an Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival Documentary Competition, winner of the Silver Hugo Award at the Chicago Film Festival and, after premiering theatrically in 1999, was chosen by the Sundance Channel as one of their favorite documentaries.