Sometimes an author produces an extraordinary piece of fiction, only to remain unheard of for the rest of his or her life.
This fact led Mark Moskowitz to the production of his latest film, "Stone Reader." Acclaimed by critics for its depth and originality, the film has won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the 2003 Slamdance Film Festival.
If you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer or even a documentary film enthusiast, this film is a must see. Otherwise, it might take a little insight before you can come to appreciate its profundity. The two-and-a-half hour documentary is divided into three parts that tell the story of the director's quest to find a mysterious author who is floating in the galaxy of the great forgotten.
It all started in the early 1970s, when Moskowitz read a New York Times book review describing a book written by Dow Mossman titled The Stones of Summer -- a book that supposedly defined a generation.
Moskowitz purchased the book but was unable to commit to its contents, put it aside until nearly three decades later, when he finally read the novel's 600 pages. He was so impressed with the work that he felt driven to read other works by the same author.
To his unfortunate dissatisfaction, the author had never published anything else.
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Compelled by curiosity, Moskowitz set out to ascertain just what exactly happened to this enigmatic author. Why had he stopped writing?
The documentary takes its viewer on a tour around the country, visiting everyone from famous literary theorists and professors to writers, publishers and agents. With a combination of discussions on literary topics and the recovery of Dow Mossman, the film has much to say of the processes of writing and publishing.
More importantly, though, the film makes a statement regarding the artist whose creation has been lost amidst the pandemonium of time, only to be rediscovered and pondered inquisitively by later generations.
Because the film is independent, advertising has been limited calling for a word-of-mouth appeal. As director Mark Moskowitz says, "It's a box-office society these days, but if the film is supported, it will play."
Moskowitz said that the making of the film was an extremely collaborative process and that he approached the process more as a reader than anything else. Moskowitz said that he included surreal images of American landscape throughout the film because he wanted the viewer to have time to reflect within the film and, "to think and imagine on [their] own."
Yet, Moskowitz's main objective in the film is to try to get The Stones of Summer back into print. Since making the film, Moskowitz has started an organization called the Lost Books Club which is dedicated to putting "one-hit wonders" like this back on the selling shelves where they belong.
So, does Moskowitz ever find Mossman, or is he simply dust in the wind? To find out you'll have to see the movie. Or, you might try reading the book. Who knows, maybe you'll go search-ing too.
"Stone Reader" is playing at Madstone Theaters, opening Friday, March 7. Visit www.MadstoneTheaters.com for more info or call 872-4000. To find out more about the movie or the Lost Books Club, visit StoneReader.net or LostBooksClub.org. You can also email the director at Mark@Stonereader.net.
