Watch I Always Said Yes: the Many Lives of Wakefield Poole

I Always Said Yes: The Many Lives of Wakefield Poole is a thought-provoking documentary film from 2013 that seeks to explore the fascinating life and work of Wakefield Poole, an iconic figure in the world of gay cinema. Directed by Jim Tushinski, the film features interviews with Poole himself, along with his friends, collaborators, and admirers, including Tim Kincaid and Marvin Shulman.

At its core, I Always Said Yes is a celebration of the art and legacy of Poole, who rose to fame in the 1970s with his groundbreaking films that pushed the boundaries of mainstream cinema and explored themes of desire, identity, and liberation. Poole's films, including Boys in the Sand and Bijou, were instrumental in shaping the landscape of queer cinema and paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ filmmakers.

The film takes an intimate look at Poole's life, from his early days as a dancer in New York City to his emergence as a filmmaker and his eventual retirement from the industry. Through a series of interviews and archival footage, viewers gain a deeper understanding of Poole as both an artist and a person, as they witness his personal struggles and triumphs, his creative process, and his journey to find acceptance and meaning in a world that often rejected him.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea of reinvention and transformation. Poole's life was marked by numerous transitions, from his early years as a ballet dancer to his work as a filmmaker, and from his struggles with drugs to his eventual embrace of sobriety and spirituality. Through it all, Poole remained committed to exploring new frontiers and pushing the boundaries of his art, even as he faced setbacks and challenges along the way.

Another important aspect of the film is its exploration of the intersection between art and activism. Poole's films were not just groundbreaking because of their representation of LGBTQ+ themes, but also because they were part of a wider movement of cultural and political resistance that sought to challenge the status quo and create new spaces for marginalized communities. As such, I Always Said Yes is not just a tribute to a great filmmaker, but also a reminder of the power and potential of art to inspire change and transformation.

Overall, I Always Said Yes: The Many Lives of Wakefield Poole is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of queer cinema, the intersection between art and activism, or the life and legacy of a fascinating and complex figure in American cultural history. With its thoughtful exploration of Poole's life and work, its stunning visuals, and its insightful interviews, the film is both a celebration and a tribute to a man who truly lived life on his own terms and left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

I Always Said Yes: the Many Lives of Wakefield Poole is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.