CFF screening - short review - BIG JOY: THE ADVENTURES OF JAMES BROUGHTON by Stephen Silha, Eric Slade and Dawn Logson

Who is James Broughton? James Broughton is a poet and poetic filmmaker that time has inexplicably forgotten. And yet, as this wonderful documentary shows, not only is his work delightful but also characteristically unique in its imaginative, often quirky and funny but always deep and personal way. On top of that, he was also quite a fascinating character whose infectiously positive attitude is faithfully represented in this equally infectiously entertaining film.  

Big Joy:The Adventures of James Broughton, in fact, is one of those rare instances where a traditionally structured biographical documentary seems to truly and wholly connect with its character through an imaginative visual approach and a deep understanding of its subject’s joie-de-vivre as well as his internal struggles.

Furthermore, it presents a particularly intimate portrayal of his own journey of discovery in his coping with his homosexuality from its painful awakening to his full acceptance and celebration of his idea of universal love and sexuality. Interviews with his close friends and relatives, use footage from his films, lots of great stills from the time and priceless access to pages of his own personal journal allow us to get real close to the late artist.

But what is perhaps even more remarkable, is the chance that Big Joy by Stephen Silha, Eric Slade and Dawn Logson offers Broughton to inspire a new generation of followers and artists, much like he did when he was alive.