Documentary Review | Discovering Joan Didion - "The Center Will Not Hold"

Image source: TMDB

Before watching this documentary, I admit I hadn't encountered Joan Didion's work. While browsing Netflix for something new, I stumbled upon Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold and decided to give it a try.

Directed by Didion's nephew, Griffin Dunne, this documentary offers an intimate and evocative exploration of one of America's most revered writers. More than just a biography, it explores into themes of loss, memory, and the creative spirit that shaped Didion's life and work.

The documentary masterfully blends Didion's reflections with archival footage from the 70s, past interviews, and readings from her iconic works. It captures her distinct voice, a blend of cool detachment and emotional depth that made her a renowned chronicler of American culture.

The film guides us through pivotal events in Didion's life, from her early days in Sacramento, California, to her literary success in New York. It also explores the personal tragedies that deeply influenced her writing, such as the loss of her husband, John Gregory Dunne, and their daughter, Quintana Roo. The most moving part of the documentary is when Didion candidly discusses her grief over these losses, which she later channeled into her books The Year of Magical Thinking (2005) and Blue Nights (2011). These vulnerable moments provide a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a woman who typically maintained an emotional reserve in public. After watching this documentary, I eagerly searched for both books in my Everand's subscription and was pleased to find them available. I've since added them to my growing list of must-reads.

The documentary also highlights Didion's remarkable ability to dissect and analyze American culture. It features her essays on the 1960s counterculture and political unrest, particularly those in her collection Slouching Towards Bethlehem, where she documented her impressions of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district during its heyday as a countercultural hub. A haunting moment in the documentary is Didion's recollection of encountering a five-year-old child given LSD by her parents, underscoring the darker undercurrents of that era.

While the documentary doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Didion’s life, it also celebrates her resilience and dedication to her craft. Visually, it is beautifully crafted, combining contemporary interviews with footage from Didion's life, reflecting the complexity of her experiences. The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to fully absorb Didion's words and the emotions behind them. Hearing Didion read from her works adds authenticity to the narrative.

Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold is more than a documentary; it’s a tribute to a literary giant whose influence continues to resonate, particularly in the USA. It’s a must-watch for fans of Didion and anyone interested in literary or journalistic figures. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder that the written word can offer stability and understanding in an ever-changing world, even as the center wobbles and threatens to collapse.

The trailer:

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