Left Lane: On the Road With Folk Poet Alix Olson
by Samantha Farinella
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alix OlsonDirector: Samantha Farinella
Brand: WOLFE VIDEO
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-12-21
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Subtle Sister
Movie Reviews of Left Lane: On the Road With Folk Poet Alix Olson
Movie Review: Great for fans, but often preaches to the converted.
Summary: 3 Stars
Alix Olson is what you would call a force to be reckoned with. She's a radical left-winged lesbian feminist poet who does not shy away from talking about controversial issues. Her high-energy performances and passionate words have inspired many fans. You can witness the passion and energy yourself in the documentary Left Lane.
The film follows Olson and her crew (including musician Pamela Means and manager/ director Samantha Farinella) tour the United States. It's a typical tour film that includes live performances, backstage shenanigans, and interviews. The movie ends with Olson marching on the streets of DC with millions of other women (or womyn, whatever you prefer) and pro-choice activists.
The best parts of the film are the performances. When Olson is onstage, watch out! She delivers her poetry with a rapid-fire, commanding presence that grabs your attention. You don't just hear her words; you feel them. Also, it's a special treat for Olson fans to catch a glimpse into the life of their favorite heroine.
Unfortunately, the film could have gone much deeper. One of Olson's major flaws--both in this movie and in her poetry--is that she preaches to the converted too much. We get that consumerism, capitalism, and mainstream culture are bad. But the film never says why they are bad. For example, there is a scene where Olson mentions that it's hard to find a restroom without passing a Pizza Hut. The average watcher will wonder why this is a bad thing. If Olson were to give examples how overdevelopment and big business are damaging, the scene would have made much more sense. Also, the movie never mentions how Olson developed her world-view. We meet her parents in one scene, and they are both activists. But other than that, we know nothing about her background.
For fans of Olson, Left Lane is a great look inside the world of this fierce activist and poet. For others (especially conservatives), approach with caution.
Summary of Left Lane: On the Road With Folk Poet Alix Olson
Alix Olson is an internationally touring folk poet and progressive queer artist-activist. One part peace vigil one part protest rally and one part joyful raucous concert Alix ignites audiences everywhere as she performs. LEFT LANE chronicles life on the road with Alix Olson and her road manager/filmmaker Samantha Farinella as they tour the country connecting the dots from a high school visit in Lincoln Nebraska to a CD release party in New York City. LEFT LANE highlights spoken-word performances from around the country and a plethora of behind the scenes glimpses at the search for independent thought grassroots defiance passionate connection organic food and clean laundry.System Requirements:Run Time: 90 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 677516547390 Manufacturer No: WOL4375D