Decent documentary. Actually the only decent thing about it, cinematically, is that it has an interesting sense of humor, and that it talks about shulgin. Its not a GREAT MOVIE in my opinion, but its not everyday you see a documentary about shulgin. They dont mention any of his drugs in detail, they only mentioned a couple names (2ce, mde, and...MALT? something like that) but the only thing that they went into detail with was mescaline. No mention of anything past his heart surgery either, it was filmed before that. It was cool to see his lab and the way he works, but its not anything you would wanna see unless you're particularly interested in shulgin, and even then, I wish it went into more detail.
They interview his son, who runs a rare nuts+bolts shop, and shulgin and anne are contrasted in the ways they like to experience their psychedelics.
Overall, 6/10 or so.
It was cool to talk to the director and stuff like that, who had a Q+A
Interesting. I actually enjoyed the documentary because it
didn't spend time dwelling on specific substances. That information can be found anywhere (save for newer, unpublished, chemicals). I am very appreciative of Sauret's approach simply because I believe that had he alloted precious screen time to such an endeavor, the audience would be unable to fully appreciate Shulgin for Shulgin's sake.
And while I'm fully aware that his work in this field is his 'claim to fame', documentaries often objectify their subjects when shifting focus from the process to the fruits of the subject's labor. By interviewing relevant parties and outlining the atmosphere of Shulgin's world, I was able to paint a picture of his life experience that far surpassed an overly-detailed 'timeline' of his life and/or excessive reportage of his various creations.
Was it
great? From the perspective of someone who is a huge fan Shulgin and his work, absolutely. Of course I cannot completely deny a desire for more of the 'details' which you mention--however, I do believe the variety of snapshots of both his humor and seriousness, unequivocal intelligence, living style, spirituality (via interviews with Ann), etc... do a good job of allowing the audience fill in the blanks.
I also got a kick out of how many of the scenes were framed (i.e. the sign of the Shulgin residence juxtaposed to the slippery slope road sign or Shulgin's son infront of his nuts and bolts). I could go on more but you guys should watch it first
I just wish Sauret answered my question better
I was there too! I agree with the above. I liked it as a Shulgin enthusiast, but the documentary didn't really transcend it's subject into any greater narrative, although I think it meant to in some ways...It was also neat getting to see the little sections on Nichols, and the other scientists.
In my experience, the team did a respectable job of placing Shulgin within the narrative of therapeutic substance use and its relationship to the evolving human condition alongside the science and spirituality behind psychedelics. There was definitely some room for improvement, but I think Sauret did a respectable job in this avenue.
The biggest thing I picked up from it was the update on Shulgin's medical condition since the heart operation. Apparently he had pneumonia and it has led to some short term memory loss, and his eyesight is practically shot. Apparently though, when he is working on chemistry he focuses right in like always. They also said there is a great focus finishing the second half of the new indexes he is putting out, with the hopes of getting back in the lab and making more discoveries afterword.
From what I [think] I heard, the Shulgin Index will be less of a narrative and more focused around the chemistry behind the work. Gonna be a 'doorstop', lol
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
I hope he outlives us all, the world wouldn't be the same without him.
