James Cullingham's nonfiction portrait of John Fahey mixes traditional talking-head soundbites and archival footage with eclectic aesthetics (including animated line drawings and haunting environmental panoramas) to capture the iconoclastic spirit of its subject, who, beginning in the '50s, blazed new musical trails through work -- dubbed "American Primitive" -- that combined finger-picking melodies rooted in the Delta blues with more ominous, abstract dissonance. Through his own laconic remarks in old interviews, as well as comments from admirers and collaborators (including Pete Townshend), Fahey - who died in 2001 at age 61 - is depicted as a unique explorer who was in constant search of his next sonic revelation. This engaging film presents artistic creativity as an unpredictable, ever-flowing journey from one unconventional locale to another. --The Village VoiceIn Search of Blind Joe Death is an excellent introduction to one of the key musicians of his time. Newcomers and fans alike will find a lot to treasure here. --Daniel Eagan, Film JournalIf you didn't already admire [Fahey's] music, you may be searching for more of it after seeing this documentary…a portrait of the man, grainy but with a rich soundtrack. --Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times