briefly noted

Q:favorite documentaries?

I think of documentaries in sub-genres, and I find I’m drawn most to the ones that artfully tell human stories rather than issue-based or competitive docs, but that’s just me. My favorites include:

Grey Gardens (1975) – It was my first introduction to the Maysles brothers, and definitely not my last. As a filmmaker you can have the most interesting subject in the world – i.e. two recluses, former socialites tied to a famous political family, living in ruins in their old age– but it means nothing if it doesn’t expose more than that. It was the vulnerability, desire, openness and close intimacy between the mother/daughter, which made this story so intriguing. It was obvious that that level can only be achieved with sincere trust between the filmmaker and subject. There was such a tremendous amount of emotions I connected to. Also among my favorite Maysles docs, are Salesman, an amazing portrait of door-to-door bible salesman in the 1960s (think Death of a Salesman) and Gimme Shelter, which follows the Rolling Stones from the early 1960s to the tragedy at Altamont.

Harlan County, USA (1976)– One of the best films I’ve seen profiling workers and miners rights and poverty to date. It’s so bold. Filmmaker Barbara Kopple lived among the impoverished and sick in Kentucky’s Appalachian mountains where mining pretty was/is the only industry. She followed a heated, long-going fight between union and non-union workers for fair pay and benefits, and literally entered cross-fire when it resorted to violence.

In a Dream (2008) - I read somewhere that filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar, disliked the idea of a personal documentary that put himself into the film (I tend to agree), and so he actively chose not to be featured in the film about his hippie parents, artistic father, and the struggles within their family relationship. It’s beautifully shot and edited like the mosaics his father is so well known for creating. Loved it.

Man on Wire (2008)– I loved the narrative of this one. It’s suspenseful, beautifully shot, great character development, and so entertaining. The story just kinda kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It felt very Hollywood, in a good way. It made documentaries sexy, more appealing to a wider audience. The September Issue and The Cove, achieved this kind of distinction this year as well.

The Devil and Daniel Johnson (2005)– Loved the way the filmmakers mixed Daniel’s art and music to illustrate his journey and struggles with bi-polar disorder. Beautiful and heartbreaking.