In addition to the fame he enjoyed due strictly to his genius, Gould also gathered an odd notoriety due in part because he was an often difficult personality. Possessed of a lively intelligence and with a passion for privacy, Gould became an international star who ultimately is remembered as much for his eccentricities as for his brilliant musicianship.

Co-director Peter Raymont said this about Gould, "Like Canadian painter Tom Thomson and Hollywood anti-hero, James Dean, Glenn Gould epitomized the classic mysterious loner – brooding, articulate, sexy, he was who we wished we could be. So although several films have been made about Gould, when news broke two years ago that he had had a lengthy, intimate relationship with the wife of an American pianist and composer, I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to explore the hidden heart of this mysterious man."

The second film focuses on the controversial defense attorney, William Kunstler. Directed by his two children, Emily and Sarah Kunstler, William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe, is a loving portrait of their father. From his days as an advocate for the civil rights movement to his later career defending a series of accused murderers and terrorists, Kunstler earned a reputation as a fearless and often flamboyant presence in the courtroom. Emily and Sarah Kunstler also produced the film with Jesse Moss and Susan Korda.

The 30th annual "Contemporary Documentaries" series continues through May 30, showcasing feature-length and short documentaries drawn from the 2010 Academy Award® nominations, including the winners, as well as other important and innovative films considered by the Academy that year.

All films are free and screen at the Linwood Dunn Theater at the Academy’s Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Seating is unreserved. The filmmakers will be present at screenings whenever possible. There is more information online.