Salinger

Almost a decade was spent making the new documentary, Salinger. The end result gives its audience some interesting, sometimes shocking details, into the life of the titular literary genius.

Salinger is, of course, J.D. Salinger, the author of The Catcher in the Rye. Even before writing that book, his only novel, he also published quite a few short stories. He also served in World War II, from D-Day to V-E Day. He even had his heart broken by Oona O'Neil, who left him for Charlie Chaplin.

In later life, Salinger became the most famous recluse since Howard Hughes. He'd write and write, but never let his work get published (his last work was Hapworth 16, 1924, published in 1964). Interviewing fans and friends, director Shane Solero tries to uncover why that was.

Of course, one voice you won't hear from is J.D. Salinger himself.

It would've been nice to hear from him, though. Particularly when it talked about the "fans" who killed, or tried to kill, in the name of The Catcher in the Rye. One guy said he'd be disturbed if fans used his work as their pretense. But how did that influence Salinger's reclusiveness?

It does explain how his life shaped his writing career, especially with Rye's Holden Caufield. It shows Salinger as being disillusioned with the world, much like Caufield. Overall, it's a convincing enough portrait of someone so smart that he can't relate to the world (as it portrays his relationship with his first wife).

At 129 minutes, it felt really long towards the end. At least, it seemed to end by introducing a few previously unpublished Salinger works set to be released soon. But then it goes on for a few more minutes. OK...

For those not much in the know, Salinger will provide a suitable learning experience. It does best with what it could get, and that's all that matters.