A dazzling, worthy tribute to Vonnegut and a compelling introduction for the uninitiated. The feature documentary is a deep, immersive dive into the author’s upbringing and his creative output. The film began 39 years ago when young, struggling filmmaker Robert Weide (Curb Your Enthusiasm) wrote a letter to his literary idol proposing a documentary on Vonnegut’s life and work. Shooting began in 1988 and the resulting film reflects the friendship and bond Weide and Vonnegut formed over the decades. This is first and foremost a biography of a beloved American author. But it also documents a filmmaker’s odyssey as he examines the impact of a writer’s legacy on his own life, extending far beyond the printed page.

“Both a thorough glimpse into the famed writer’s life and work, and a bittersweet portrait of enduring friendship, this documentary should touch more than just Vonnegut fans.”—Variety