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Left Lane: On The Road With Alix Olson

A love letter to "one of the 10 most dangerous women in America."

By PETER KEOUGH | May 5, 2006

1.0 Stars

Left Lane: On the Road with Alix Olson

Samantha Farinella’s documentary Left Lane: On the Road With Alix Olson is a love letter to her subject. Effusive accolades from fans, colleagues, and figures in the feminist and gay-rights movement fill every frame, but no one loves Olson as much as she does herself. And rather than righteous rage or creative energy, her ranted poetry smacks of self-congratulation. In one effort she compares herself favorably with Adrienne Rich, Flannery O’Connor, Gertrude Stein, and bell hooks, punctuating her self-praise with a trademark smirky grin and hiccupping intakes of breath like those of a born-again preacher. Except for “8 x 10,” her stuff sounds like the same old radical platitudes and canards. And Farinella doesn’t allow much in the way of opposition. In one interview on Progressive Radio, the host winkingly points out that the right-wing organization Concerned Women of America has named Olson “one of the 10 most dangerous women in America.” Dangerous for which side?

Topics: Reviews , Gertrude Stein, Adrienne Rich, Flannery O'Connor, More

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