Anarchist Cookbook

“American Anarchist” makes for unsatisfying viewing, although it’s possible it couldn’t have been otherwise. The meat of this documentary is a dialogue between the director, Charlie Siskel (“Finding Vivian Maier”), and William Powell, author of “The Anarchist Cookbook.” Released in 1971, the book gives instructions for making bombs.

“I don’t think I hoped they would do anything with it, quite frankly,” Mr. Powell, who was 65 during filming, says of his prospective readers. That sentiment captures the disconnect between the author, who describes the book as the work of an angry 19-year-old, and his legacy. In 2013, in an article for The Guardian, Mr. Powell explained his desire for the book to “quickly and quietly go out of print.” (He never controlled the copyright.)

But “American Anarchist” also suggests that Mr. Powell, who became a teacher and advocate for special-needs children, walled himself off from his influence. Mr. Powell cites the Columbine killings, nearly three decades after publication, as the first time he learned of a connection between the book and violence. Mr. Siskel confronts him with reported links to other attacks, including the Oklahoma City bombing and the Aurora, Colo., theater shootings. “This is the first time that I’m becoming aware of the laundry list of associations that the book has had,” Mr. Powell says.

A study in denial, “American Anarchist” may be illuminating for being unilluminating. The film closes by noting Mr. Powell’s sudden death in July, which, unlike the book, has left only traces online.

Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes.