A Not So Radical Documentary

As things continue to assume a pear shape in almost every sphere of American life, particularly in our cultural institutions, we would do well to remain vigilant about falling into the abyss of nostalgia. Even so, this admonition doesn’t, and probably shouldn’t, stop some from yearning for the days when writers had talent and guts. Tom Wolfe (1930-2018) was one of those few talented and courageous American writers. A new documentary, Radical Wolfe, directed by Richard Dewey, offers a portrait of Wolfe as a true radical—a one of a kind, larger-than-life cultural figure.