Elmore Leonard: "But don't try to write" (2021): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2021, Elmore Leonard: "But don't try to write" is a documentary film directed by John Mulholland, running about 56 minutes. “Explore Elmore Leonard's career, body of work and writing process.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Elmore Leonard, author of more than 40 novels, is renowned in the literary community. From his westerns and early novels of crime based in Detroit and South Florida, right through his complex and virtually plotless later work, Elmore Leonard dissected an America whose founding sins have continued to haunt it all the days. Leonard’s depiction of America is as real as Twain’s Hannibal, Faulkner’s Mississippi and Steinbeck’s Monterey. The new documentary ELMORE LEONARD: “But don’t try to write” explores the prolific author’s legacy and his influence on generations of writers. The documentary features exclusive images and previously unseen home movie footage, family photographs, and in-depth interviews with both literary experts and those who knew him well, including colleagues, family, and childhood friends.

Who’s in it. Elmore Leonard: "But don't try to write" stars Campbell Scott as Self - Narrator (voice), James O. Born as Self, Wendy Calhoun as Self and Bridgett M. Davis as Self, among others.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Elmore Leonard: "But don't try to write" page.

If you liked it. Fans of Elmore Leonard: "But don't try to write" tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.