The Charles Bukowski Tapes (1987): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1987, The Charles Bukowski Tapes is a documentary film directed by Barbet Schroeder, running about 240 minutes. “Barbet Schroeder interviews Bukowski.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The Charles Bukowski Tapes are an altogether more than four hours long collection of 52 short-interviews with the American cult author Charles Bukowski, sorted by topic and each between one and ten minutes long. Director Barbet Schroeder (Barfly) interviews Bukowski about such themes as alcohol, violence, and women, and Bukowski answers willingly, losing himself in sometimes minute-long monologues. Amongst other things, Bukowski leads the small camera team through his parents’ house and his former neighbourhood, but the largest part of the interviews takes place in Bukowski’s flat or backyard. The documentary includes a scene in which Bukowski reacts violently toward his wife Linda Lee.

Who’s in it. The Charles Bukowski Tapes stars Charles Bukowski as Himself and Barbet Schroeder as Himself.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.7/10, The Charles Bukowski Tapes sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Philo. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Charles Bukowski Tapes page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Charles Bukowski Tapes tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.