Bukowski (1973 film)

Bukowski is a 1973 documentary film produced by Taylor Hackford and directed by Richard Davies that follows Los Angeles poet Charles Bukowski to San Francisco for a poetry reading. The full 60-minute documentary begins with footage of Bukowski in his Los Angeles home and neighborhood as he discusses his history as a postal worker as well as his approach to and perspective on poetry. The film then shows him flying with Linda King to San Francisco for the poetry reading followed by interactions with attendees after the show. One night the window of his room is broken during a fight between some guests and then a fight between Charles and Linda causes her to leave. Interviews follow with Liza and Linda about their relationship with Charles. Bukowski is shown betting at the track and explaining his betting strategy.

A heavily edited 28-minute version of the footage with alternate scenes and a rearranged structure was aired as an episode of the PBS series Artbound under the title Bukowski Reads Bukowski on Thursday, October 16, 1975, at 10:30 PM. This version contains less interview footage with Bukowski and his acquaintances but more footage of the reading itself.