SXSW Movie Review: Dreams With Sharp Teeth
By Mel Valentin/March 19, 2008 3:16 pm EST
In 1967, Ellison edited “Dangerous Visions,” a collection of short stories written by established and new-to-the-field writers while continuing to write fiction on his own. The seventies saw Ellison continue writing speculative fiction, along with essays, and other non-fiction work. One of his short stories was adapted into A Boy and His Dog, a post-apocalyptic tale starring Don Johnson (of Miami Vice fame). All told, Ellison has written more than 1,700 short stories (including novellas), 75 books, and numerous teleplays. Ellison has won ten Hugo Awards, four Nebula Awards, and five Bram Stoker Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He has also won two Edgar Awards (given out by the Mystery Writers of America).
In addition to excerpts of interviews or coverage of award ceremonies and public appearances Nelson made over twenty-six years ago, Nelson includes interviews with comedian/actor Robin Williams, writer Neil Gaiman (Stardust, Neverwhere, Anansi Boys, American Gods, Sandman, comic book writer and novelist Peter David (X-Factor, She-Hulk, Fallen Angel), writer/producer Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: The Next Generation), Carol Cooper, a cultural critic for the Village Voice, and in archival footage that dates back to the mid-1970s, the late Tom Snyder. They offer insight into Ellison’s work and place in literature to varying degrees, but they’re really at their more interesting or engaging when sharing their personal experiences as Ellison’s friend or acquaintance.
Ultimately, though, Dreams with Sharp Teeth will be worthwhile only to the extent that you’re interested in Harlan Ellison, whether out of curiosity, given his status as former enfant terrible turned petulant provocateur, or because you’ve read some of his short stories or essays and want a deeper introduction to Ellison, his life and his work. Either way, be prepared for some of the most engaging and, on occasion, some of the most discomforting rants and raves about everything and nothing you’ll see in a documentary this year or any other year.
