During a time when sexual and artistic expression were highly frowned upon, William S. Burroughs — a controversial figure to say the least — challenged society to question itself and its motives. As one of the leading writers of the Beat Generation, Burroughs had a significant influence on art, music and the literary world. In Yony Leyser’s interesting documentary, A Man Within (Oscilloscope Laboratories, $29.99), significant details of his life are revealed.
As a forewarning for those who are put off by material that is dark, grotesque and sexually explicit: This isn't the movie for you.
This article appears in Feb 10-16, 2011.