It's hard to convince people that they should check out a 197 minute (3hours 17mins) documentary about a library but you really should. You won't regret it. Ex-Libris: The New York Public Library is one of Fredrick Wiseman's newest docs (2018). If you've never seen a Wiseman, do it. The 88 year old documentarian has 47 credits to his name, and shows no sign of stopping. His films focus on facets of American institutions such as health care, welfare, law and order, justice, education, government... Ex-Libris focuses on the daily life and goings-on of NYPL--visiting branches in all five boroughs, showing various collections, events, meetings, classes and workshops, exhibits, as well as different departments such as reference, photography, children's collections, and so on. And, I will go to bat for even the segments that take place during policy-focused board meetings. Here there are no interviews, no talking heads, no narration, just fly-on-the-wall observation focused on all aspects of NYPL. This film is RIVETING. 5/5 |
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LindseyHere is where I post new reviews as I see films throughout the year. Archives
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