Criterion Collection: A Poem Is A Naked Person

Les Blank considered this free-form documentary to be one of his greatest accomplishments—and yet, somehow, it’s never been released ’til now. A uniquely intimate portrait of an artist and his environment (Leon’s Oklahoma recording studio), this film also follows his band to the concert stage and through plenty of off-the-cuff offstage scenes. This testament to Russell’s immense talents and Blank’s cinematic daring also features performances by Willie Nelson and George Jones. This Criterion edition adds a "making-of" documentary, new conversation between Russell and Blank’s son Harrod, excerpts from a 2013 Q&A with Les Blank and more! Criterion.