Tornado Alley (PROG)

[StephanieVanbryce]

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe Now Playing (video)

A striking biography of the work of one man who thrust himself into the center of the revolutionary fervor of the civil rights movement and the antiwar movement changed the country, Disturbing the Universe is essential viewing. William Kunstler fought for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr., represented the "Chicago 8", tried to represent the prisoners during the Attica uprising, and worked with the American Indian Movement during the standoff at Wounded Knee. Later in his career Kunstler defended accused terrorists, murderers, and rapists, sparking intense public outrage.

This award-winning film is a must-see for anyone who lived through that incredible time and anyone who didn't. Produced and directed by his daughters Emily and Sarah Kunstler, the documentary takes a hard look at the price the Kunstler family paid so William could do his work.

The film opened in New York City and Boston Friday and will be coming next to Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area next week. A list of opening dates around the country can be found here. [ http://www.disturbingtheuniverse.com/Screenings.html ]

http://www.truthout.org/topstories/111409mr01

On Saturday, September 5th, the Hamptons International Film Festival concluded its Summer Documentary series with a screening of William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe, produced and directed by Kunstler's daughters, Emily and Sarah. The film covers the life and career of the colorful, at times outrageous, and, often, highly effective attorney. Kunstler's career as a lawyer and activist spanned the civil rights movement in the early 60's, the legendary Chicago Eight case in 1968 (and beyond), the massacre at Attica and its aftermath and the American Indian Movement protests at Wounded Knee in 1973. His later career, almost exclusively as a criminal defense attorney, encompassed John Gotti, the "Central Park Jogger" case, Meir Kahane's assassin and "cop killer" Larry Davis, to name but a few.

This is a wonderful film and Emily and Sarah Kunstler have done a remarkable job in presenting their famous father in an honest, critical light. Kunstler's activities and predilections had a profound effect on his family, including an earlier marriage. Yet, Kunstler's life is a near perfect perspective from which to view the 1960's, 70's and 80's. The film is great history.

Alec Baldwin
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alec-baldwin/iwilliam-kunstler-disturb_b_278402.html