Albert Maysles - on how childhood experiences shape our art
5-minute brief excerpt --*very rough*-- edit-- of 4.5 hour conversation at the Maysles Institute in Harlem with Albert Maysles before the interview for the radio documentary I'm producing, "The Night Before Altamont."
I was buzzing around the studio, had just plugged in the mic--nervous to be setting up in front of such a master---was checking levels. He was eating chocolate, so you'll hear some cellophane crackling and candy-smacking.
Al led off asking about my ethnicity, and segued into a number of anecdotes about childhood, his movies Salesman and Gimme Shelter...and how all of it weaves together.
Al died yesterday, and I will miss him very much. So thankful to have known him the little I did, to have interviewed him, am sad we'll not be able to collaborate on my upcoming film, Altamont 360°. RIP Al - thank you for your supportive and kindness!
