An Excellent Documentary

It gives me great pleasure to recommend a wonderful Netflix documentary titled Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold. Griffin Dunne, Joan’s nephew, directed this intriguing journey through the remarkable career of an iconic writer whose work has covered America’s tumultuous social and cultural scene for over half a century. Because Griffin knows his famous aunt so well, his conversations with her come across as intimate and sincere. Plus, his choice of selections from Joan’s work -- as well as the friends and colleagues  to include in the film -- help us understand the powerful influence of this amazing woman. 

Even more important, however, is the subject herself. Now in her 80s, she listens carefully and makes sure her answers accurately depict what she’s thinking and feeling, similar to the way she writes.     

Joan Didion has earned great fame.

Her writing garners high acclaim.

She captures truth as time goes by

with elegance and cynic’s eye.

Journalist, author and playwright,

she composes to gain insight.

Watching Joan in this fine movie

becomes a gift of history.

She faces suffering and pain

but still goes on to work again.

A woman to admire, for sure.

Her unique writing will endure.