Absolute Wilson chronicles the epic life, times and creative genius of Robert Wilson, intimately revealing for the first time one of the most controversial, rule-breaking and downright mysterious artists of our era. More than a biography, the film becomes an exhilarating exploration of the transformative power of creativity itself - and the inspirational tale of a boy who grew up as a troubled and learning-disabled outsider in the American South only to become a fearless artist with a profoundly original perspective to share with the world. The probing yet playful narrative reveals the deep inter-connections between Wilson's childhood experiences and the haunting beauty of his monumental works, which include the theatrical sensations "Deafman Glance," "Einstein on the Beach" and "The CIVIL WarS." Along the way, the film introduces an array of admirers, friends and critics - ranging from musician David Byrne to the late writer Susan Sontag to composer Phillip Glass and singer Jessye Norman, among others - who add insight as the film peels back layer after layer to get to a raw, forthcoming and uniquely moving view of how Wilson's work emerged from an extraordinary life and a ceaseless yearning to communicate.

The documentary opens Friday at the Quad and at the Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, as the NY Times points out, "just steps, as it happens, from the Metropolitan Opera, the scene of Mr. Wilson's triumphant Einstein on the Beach, the mammoth opera created in 1976 with Philip Glass."

An accompanying book with extended commentary and 400 color illustrations and photographs was recently released by Prestel Publishing.

Aside from being a Robert Wilson fan, I'm very excited about a film that promises to delve into the motivations and creative process of one of the 20th century's greatest artists.