16 Jul 2022

Robert B Weide: the Vonnegut film 40 years in the making

From Saturday Morning, 10:05 am on 16 July 2022
Kurt Vonnegut (L) and Robert B Weide

Kurt Vonnegut (L) and Robert B Weide Photo: Supplied

In 1982, young filmmaker Robert B. Weide wrote a letter to his literary idol Kurt Vonnegut, proposing a documentary on the author’s life and work. Vonnegut, who was 60 at the time, met Weide, and authorised the production. An optimistic Weide thought he could raise the money and complete the film within a year.

Recently released documentary Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck In Time documents not just Vonnegut’s work, but the firm friendship forged between the filmmaker and his subject.

Weide’s other work includes Oscar-nominated documentary Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth, and he is a director and executive producer of popular sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time is screening as part of the NZ International Film Festival. Head over here for information and screening times.