Louie Bluie

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david f This documentary about a musician whose recordings made in the 20s and 30s intrigued the director who tracked him down in the 1980s, is a fascinating look at a unique individual. It's full of Americana. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Terry Zwigoff's debut film is a brief hour in length, but it's the kind of absorbing documentary that I could have gone on watching for five or six. Yet perhaps it is the film's short running time that makes it so special, so interesting. Zwigoff gives us an hour of time with the titular Louie Bluie, or more formally Howard Armstrong- one of the most interesting musicians ever committed to celluloid. Here he is nearing the end of his life, yet he shows no signs of stopping his art. Alongside playing fast, hard and soulful blues music, he is also a drawer and poet, and part of the brilliance of Zwigoff's hand is that he intertwines these talents. In one of the best moments of the film, Bluie shows a fellow musician a piece of art that looks as though it probably took years to compile. He calls it the ABC's of Pornography, and it is a book containing pages devoted to prose, photos and drawings that make sex both poetic and obscene. I think that book is probably one of the most personal things Bluie ever did, as it seems to mirror his personality; as the film progresses, we get to see two sides of the man- one is sweet, thoughtful and passionate and the other is crass and dirty. It's a fascinating combination. Besides being about such an interesting subject, the film also contains some mesmerizing musical sequences (thanks to said subject), and these moments, which feature Bluie and pals collaborating on sporadic tunes in their home or on the street, are so raw and unique. It doesn't matter if you like the blues or not; if you're interested in people, this is a must-see movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member In the first scene Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstong is shaving without soap or water, just a razor blade. And you just kinda stare at him totally fascinated. That level of fascination is maintained for the rest of the film. This documentary consists of Armstrong telling stories, playing alot of music and even showing you his book of pornography. Zwigoff's first film is alot like his masterpiece 'Crumb' in that it doesn't try to pigeonhole the man its documenting. I wish the film was longer but a few scenes near the end start to stretch this material a little too thin, so maybe its a blessing in disguise. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member Pretty hilarious portrait of an old bluesman. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Awesome doc, albeit too short and not very comprehensive. As it stands its just a slice of a very interesting life. Louie Bluie is instantly charming and an absolute genius. Even if you're not a fan of old-timey music, you'll get a kick out of him. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member Engaging, if slight, documentary about blues fiddle/mandolin musician Howard Armstrong. Just a blast to watch and listen. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Louie Bluie

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