Swimming to Cambodia

Back in the 90’s, before the Bravo network became a haven for housewives, yachts and summer houses, it actually ran quality art films. One night I stumbled onto Monster in a Box. I found Spaulding Gray to be immensely engaging and eventually months later I saw this. So glad that VS, put this out. It’s still amazing, engrossing, and I appreciate it even more today. Demme does so much to make a guy sitting at a desk so visually appealing. Excellent Cinematographe packaging and restoration as usual. Looks great.

Not what I expected. Not for me...hope you enjoy it tho

Makes a fantastic double feature with The Killing Fields.

An electrifying piece of performance, exquisitely directed and lensed.

This was a welcome first-time watch. I'd never seen Spaulding Gray's monologues prior to this. Jonathan Demme's spare direction lets Gray's personality show (and the crisp transfer does the same for his spittle!). Masterful storytelling and the meditation on the Vietnam era from the vantage point of the Reagan era is instructive. The interviews are excellent. Scout Tafoya's commentary is a good history while also his own monologue on the film, Gray, and his own life. (The commentary is roughly edited in places, and repeats some lines or different takes of the same line. Tafoya notes that the edit has some issues at the outset, so it's noticeable but doesn't negatively impact the listening experience. )