The Pleasures Of Being Out Of Step: Notes On The Life Of Nat Hentoff (First Run Features)
In his 89 years, Nat Hentoff has melded defense of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment of the US Constitution with his love of jazz. His writings on those passions have made him a powerful voice in music journalism and in the turbulent arena populated by those who debate what the American founders intended in the Bill of Rights. This David L. Lewis film presents Hentoff reflecting—often wryly—on his life as a reporter, columnist, critic, writer of books and record producer. It has musicians, politicians, civil libertarians, family, friends and colleagues reflecting on Hentoff and his importance. Lewis integrates music by Ellington, Mingus, Parker and Coltrane, among others. Along the way we meet Lenny Bruce, Bob Dylan, William F. Buckley, Jr., Amiri Baraka, and others whose lives have intersected with Hentoff’s. (DVD release January 6.)