Dreams with Sharp Teeth 2008

The writings of Harlan Ellison transformed from being considered mere science fiction to defining a unique genre, akin to the works of Philip K. Dick and Kurt Vonnegut. With an impressive portfolio featuring nearly 2000 published stories and remarkable contributions to iconic shows like Outer Limits and Star Trek, Ellison’s impact is undeniable. His larger-than-life personality is nothing short of legendary, as highlighted by the New York Times Book Review, which describes him as possessing “the spellbinding quality of a great nonstop talker, with a cultural warehouse for a mind.”

In this captivating portrait, Ellison’s vivid imagination is coupled with an almost limitless supply of outrage. A perfect illustration of his boldness is found in his memorable response when asked to contribute an interview for a Warner Bros. DVD extra: > “What is Warner Bros, out with an eye patch and a tin cup on the street? And they don’t even send you a copy of the DVD! You send me the goddamn DVD now or I’m gonna come down to your office and I’m gonna burn it to the ground, how ‘bout that?”

This humorous yet intense narrative is brought to life in a 27-year labor of love directed by Erik Nelson, who is also known for producing Grizzly Man. Ellison’s creative journey is made even more enjoyable with appearances by his friend Robin Williams, adding an extra layer of depth to this rich exploration of a remarkable writer’s life.