Walt Whitman
Directed by Mark Zwonitzer; Produced by Jamila Wignot; Edited by Penny Elliott Hays; Narrated by J.K. Simmons; Voice of Walt Whitman by Chris Cooper

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Synopsis:
He is today one of the most-recognized figures in American literary history: poet, patriot and faithful advocate of democracy. His name graces shopping malls, highway rest stops, and local high schools. He has adherents around the globe. But in his own time, critics denounced Walt Whitman as a "lunatic raving in pitiable delirium." They pronounced his signature book of poetry, Leaves of Grass, "slimy," "vile," and "beastly." One reviewer wished to see him whipped in public; another suggested he commit suicide. He was famously "banned in Boston." Even by his own measure, Walt Whitman failed in so many ways in his own lifetime: failed in his attempt to reach a vast audience of ordinary men and women; failed to achieve the laurels he craved; and most painfully, failed to talk the nation out of an impending civil war.

Reviews:
"Zwonitzer and his crew deliver Walt Whitman as Whitman delivered his own world - passionately, sensuously, ridden with the poignancy and variety of ordinary life."
- Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe 4/14/08 Click to view article

"... a big, strapping beautiful film that brings Whitman and his world to life, and latter-day relevance."
- Verne Gay, Newsday 4/14/08 Click to view article