William S. Burroughs: A Man Within (2010)

"William S. Burroughs: A Man Within" unveils the enigmatic saga of a literary titan, featuring unseen footage and candid interviews with his intimate circle. Born into the Burroughs' adding machine dynasty, William's life was a battlefield of addiction, control, and introspection. A chilling tragedy forced him to reckon with the fatal shooting of his wife and the fallout of his son's neglect. His controversial novel, "Naked Lunch", was among the last literary works to be censored by the U.S. government until luminaries like Allen Ginsberg and Norman Mailer vouched for its significance. In a landmark 1966 ruling, the ban was repealed, recognizing the book's profound societal impact. It stands today as one of the most iconic literary pieces of the 20th century. Burroughs was a pioneer, daring to explore the perilous realms of queer and drug culture in the 1950s and immortalizing his experiences in his works. His boldness named him the godfather of the Beat Generation, his influence resonating in the artistry of future generations. Yet, a lingering question haunts his legacy - did William ever attain happiness? This deeply personal documentary burrows beneath the surface, shedding light on the complex and brilliant universe of one of history's greatest authors. "William S. Burroughs: A Man Within" is a posthumous tribute like no other, honoring this legendary figure with an intimacy and depth never seen before.

William S. Burroughs: A Man Within is a documentary movie featuring Peter Weller and directed by Yony Leyser.

William S. Burroughs: A Man Within is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Pluto TV, Redbox and Tubi TV and it's also available on Fandor Amazon Channel, Night Flight Plus and realeyz.

It is also possible to buy William S. Burroughs: A Man Within on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Redbox.