Greenwich Entertainment debuted the official trailer for Joyce Carol Oates: A Body in the Service of Mind, a documentary portrait of the iconic author of more than 100 books, including Them, We Were the Mulvaneys, and Blonde, described as “America’s foremost woman of letters.” Featuring readings by Oscar winner Laura Dern.
After a persistent nine years of pleading, friend and documentarian Stig Bjorkman is ultimately granted unprecedented access into her life, creative process, and the events that have shaped her writings, including the 1967 Detroit Riot, the Chappaquiddick incident, and the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe.
Release Date
Directed by Stig Björkman, Joyce Carol Oates: A Body in the Service of Mind world premiered at Telluride Film Festival 2021, and opens in theaters, plus on Amazon and Apple TV on September 8, 2023.
Synopsis
Joyce Carol Oates is often described as “America’s foremost woman of letters” and her extraordinary talents are recognized around the globe. With words as her constant companion JCO has penned over 100 novels across a variety of genres throughout her award-winning career.
Swedish director Stig Björkman approached JCO with his idea to make a portrait film of her for over 9 years before she finally agreed. The movie takes us behind the genius of one of the most read contemporary American writers. The now 83-year-old writer’s life story is one of a changing society. With her work as a naviga-tor the movie takes us back to her childhood and university years. We learn about societal events that affected her deeply and are evident in her writing, like the 1960’s riots in Detroit, to the tragic Chappaquiddick incident and the life of Marilyn Monroe.
Throughout her life JCO has been an ardent observer of American political, social and societal landscapes and changes. JCO gathers inspiration from real events, either her personal experiences or those she culls from the headlines. The ideas evolve through her imagination and take on a new form that reflects the present mo- ment. Her creativity transforms people and events, yet they are always based in reality.
Much of her writing features young girls and women, people of color, the mistreated and underprivileged. The America depicted in the works of JCO is a mélange of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Most importantly, when reflecting on events, inhabitants, and mythologies of the United States her sight is razor sharp and cunning. [source]
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Joyce Carol Oates: A Body in the Service of Mind: