Royd Anderson: Seeing the Human Spirit in Tragedy
10 Comments
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Laurie Breen says:
I’ve seen all of Royd’s films. I, too, am moved by the interviews of those who either witnessed the incidents or those touched by these gripping moments in history. I, however, think the interviews might have fallen flat if Anderson had not shown all of the images and amazing archives he was able to find. In each film, there are important safety issues that are, at least partly, to blame. That is what makes these films really important. They show how these events made a difference in how safety laws came about that protect us today.
The Upstairs Lounge Fire is, also, a very important statement regarding the value of all human beings. The shame that relatives had in even admitting that family members had been caught in the fire is extremely painful. The film does leave the viewer changed. One leaves the film with great sadness and contemplating his/her own prejudices-whatever they may be.-
reagan@yourfilmprofessor.com says:
You are so right about how Royd uses so many important strategies to encompass all the important angles of why he focuses on these tragedies, e.g., the enduring and inspiring human spirit angle, the historical angle, and, as you especially cogently convey, the all-important “safety” angle. I especially think your notation on how Royd “leave[s] the viewer changed” by his focus on the terrible prejudices of the time of the Upstairs Lounge Fire is just so significant, not just in terms of registering such terrible homophobia even during a time of such a shattering tragedy, but in terms of how film can be used in such a progressive way, to change peoples’ minds, which Royd does so well. Thanks so much for your thoughts!
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Aida Anderson says:
I have always loved films and good acting. I agree with you that films do change us and I believe it is usually for the better.
Your review of Royd Anderson’s documentaries is outstanding. You give several insights that I had missed. I have seen all four of his documentaries.
As you point out, his films have a three-fold benefit: 1) they are historic records for the information of future generations; 2) they serve as a kind of time capsule about life in general, politics and entertainment during the time of the event; 3) are records of safeguards that could have prevented three of the tragedies and which were enforced later by regulatory agencies. With reference to this point, I really do not know which one of the tragedies you think could not have been prevented. In my mind, all four could have been prevented or at least significantly reduced.
You also give us a portrayal of the filmmaker. From your descriptions of the interviews, we can tell that Royd Anderson is a sensitive person, who in each of his films attempts to obtain information in a respectful and thoughtful manner, without subjecting his interviewers to undue pressure. I happen to know that several of those he interviewed have remained his friends ever since.
Looking forward to reading your writings/blog.
Best regards,
Aida Anderson-
Hi Aida,
Thank you SO much for your generous sentiments on my post and thank you for your thoughts on Royd and his work; your thoughts really complement and add to my thoughts. (In the process of getting to know Royd a little bit via our back and forth and via his work, I can see how others have so easily found themselves at ease with him and came to befriend him; as you say, he seems like a sensitive, generous, and caring man.) In terms of what I meant by only three of the tragedies being preventable, I was thinking of the Upstairs Lounge fire, my thinking being that this tragedy wasn’t an “accident” but an intentional arson attack and so not preventable. But, if you are thinking that the tragedy of the deaths themselves could have been prevented with safety measures in place and windows without bars, then, you’re right, the deaths themselves could have been prevented. That really is just such an important correction to my post!
Thanks again for your thoughts!
Best,
Reagan
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Amitesh says:
Impressed by your enlightening commentary on Royd’s work and others (read your fascinating take on Star Trek). Your website is a gem!
Warmly,
Amitesh (India)-
Wow, thank you SO much Amitesh! I so appreciate your positive reinforcement of what I’m doing here! Best wishes, Reagan
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Maria Ponce de Leon says:
I have known Royd going on 14 years. I own three of his documentaries and have watched them countless times, each time searching for a different perspective. They never disappoint. What I have to say about them has already been said. So, instead, my comments will be about the good man I believe Royd to be. And yes, he’s smart, kind, generous, perceptive and even sweet. His open smile and calm blue eyes radiate a comfortableness that rubs off on those around him, that makes them trust him, and at the same time, respect his intellect, art and grace. I could sense the love and even reverence relatives of the young men who perished the morning the George Prince Ferry sank displayed toward Royd while he interviewed them at their homes and my daughter Grace filmed, back in barely post-Hurricane Katrina 2005. Royd, generously, had invited me to tag along. I also observed that folks at the dedication of the Luling memorial addressed Royd in what seemed to be a mixture of respect and thankfulness. Royd is incredibly generous with praise for others, including those who have participated with him in a project, and even competitors. I’m grateful to be Royd’s friend because I know our relationship is for life. Plus, he washes dishes and makes awesome margaritas when there’s a party at my house.
Also, Professor Reagan, I read and enjoyed your dissertation on “Brokeback Mountain.” Very interesting, plus a lot of fun to read and remember words from old psychology classes. I’m hooked! Thank you!
Maria Ponce de Leon
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Hi Maria! Thank you for expressing your kind words about Royd. I don’t really know Royd — have only exchanged a few emails with him — but based on your extraordinary praise of him and based on others’ generous admiration of him, and based on his incredibly thoughtful, compassionate, and altruistic films, I have come to see him in this beneficent light. I envy your friendship with him; he sounds like a priceless friend to have. And he “washes dishes and makes awesome margaritas,” what more can one say about him:) Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on him. And thanks so much for your kind words about my blog posts; sincerely, I greatly appreciate the positive reinforcement.
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Thank you, Professor Reagan! I love your kind words and even the funny ones! How awesome that now I can read your blog on a daily basis, and also that I can “hook” some of my film-loving friends and relatives on it! I hope that someday you’ll come our way and do us the honor of a visit–Royd and I and all others in our “circle” may then treat you to the divine experience of Cajun/Puerto Rican/Cuban food, drinks and conversation (heck, we may even dance) that we so well know how to dish out. I also hope that the next time I’m in Cali, I have the honor of meeting you. Maria Ponce de Leon
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You are too sweet Maria! In terms of my blog, I really appreciate your support; I would just say that “daily basis” might not work since this blog is more a labor of love and because of other obligations I can only get to it intermittently. (Right now, I am going through one of my busy cycles, so, sadly, I have to shelve my blog for a little while.) Hopefully, one day I will be able to work on it more consistently. And, most definitely, when I make it to your neck of the woods, I will most definitely pay you a visit! Cajun/Puerto Rican/Cuban food is some of my favorite and though not a dancer, I would love to dance with you:) And, yes, if you ever make it to Portland, Oregon, let me know and I would love to get together with you. Thanks again! Take care, Reagan
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