Russell was a young cellist who left the American prairies to become the director of New York experimental venue The Kitchen, join rock band the Flying Hearts, and finally finish with an astonishing career in disco.

His posthumous stock has risen remarkably in recent years, helped by the re-releases of recordings he left behind when he died of Aids in 1992 at age 40.

Drawing from interviews with key people who shaped Russell's life both personally and professionally, Matt Wolf delivers a moving portrait of a man whose talents were undermined not only by his circumstances but also by his erratic temperament.

Indeed, this is not a hagiography. Wolf also explores Russell's darker side, from his inability to complete his projects to his bouts of intense paranoia.

But Wild Combination is more than just a mix of facts and talking heads. Wolf's success in weaving beautiful imagery into the film makes it a work of art.

Extras: Footage of Russell's performances; Allen Ginsberg's tribute at Russell's funeral; a 1970 recording of an audio cassette letter Russell sent to his parents; and tribute performances by musicians such as Jens Lekman and Arthur's Landing, who were Russell's former bandmates.