If this looks familiar to you, it’s probably because of this: director Griffin Dunne (also Didion’s nephew), raised money for this documentary via Kickstarter back in 2014.
Didion’s life is one that has been marked by great tragedy—the loss of both her husband, John Dunne and their daughter, Quintana Roo happened in rapid succession—and those two tragedies have been what’s defined the second half of her life for many people. “Grief is the hardest thing to write about,” intones a man in VO, “and she did it as a reporter.”
This documentary looks like it’ll present a fuller portrait of the woman whose work, life and packing list has inspired just about everyone from Céline to lifestyle bloggers to writers.
Come for the intimate look at Didion’s life and career, and stay for the sound of Joan Didion’s actual voice and shots of her standing on a street corner in Manhattan wearing sunglasses and squinting inscrutably into the distance. It premieres on Netflix October 27.
