Coleman Barks Movies

Actor Arliss Howard made his debut as a director with this emotional drama adapted from a handful of short stories by Larry Brown. Barlow (Arliss Howard) is a deeply troubled Vietnam veteran who has been chasing a career as a writer, with little success; when he isn't struggling with his typewriter, he's usually drinking, and his wild mood swings and alcoholic fits of rage have driven away his wife Marilyn (Debra Winger), who has taken their son Alan (Zach Moody) and daughter Alisha (Olivia Kersey) with her. Barlow would like to see his children, but Marilyn refuses to allow it until he catches up on his alimony and child support payments; one of Barlow's few loyal friends, Monroe (Paul LeMat), a buddy from his Army days, is able to get him work as a house painter. With steady paychecks, Barlow is finally able to clear his debts to Marilyn, but she refuses to acknowledge that he's made much progress in turning his life around, and he doesn't get much more emotional support from his ailing mother (Angie Dickinson) or his friend Velma (Rosanna Arquette). Big Bad Love marked the second screen pairing for husband-and-wife Arliss Howard and Debra Winger; it was also Winger's first screen appearance in six years. Acclaimed songwriter Tom Waits composed the film's original score. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

This installment of the PBS series showcases poets Marge Piercy and Coleman Banks. Host Bill Moyers leads a discussion with Piercy on how religion and politics motivate her works. Moyers and Banks discuss the conversion of Persian expressions into English, and the poets read selections from their work. ~ Linda J. Shriver, All Movie Guide

This final installment of the PBS series features poets Jane Hirshfield, Lucille Clifton, Mark Doty, and Deborah Garrison. Host Bill Moyers talks with Hirshfield about the significance of sound and silence in poetry and her involvement in Zen. Moyers leads a discussion with Clifton and Doty on topics including racial memory. And Deborah Garrison talks about her experiences as a working woman. The poets read selections from their works. ~ Linda J. Shriver, All Movie Guide

At the close of the 20th century, poetry enjoyed a resurgence of interest, with poets gathering at the White House and at the popular poetry slams featuring young people belting out their poems at responsive audiences. Fooling With Words With Bill Moyers, a PBS-produced film, depicts the action at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival, known as the "Woodstock of Poetry." The event is covered much like a professional sports event, with cameras tracking the performing poets and the spectators' reactions. The poetry featured ranges from the haunting to rhythmic African to wry to witty. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide