Where We Tell You About An Amazing Movie Called Bill Cunningham New York
Have you dedicated your entire life to one passion? There are
few who can claim to eat, sleep and breathe their craft. Most of us
would have to agree that on the work-life balance teeter-totter, we
enjoy equal parts teeter and totter.
That's not so for New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. At
83 years old, he's still capturing images in his bright blue
street-sweeper smock. He has few friends and no interests other
than photographing fashion trends on the streets of New York and
Paris, inside the tents at Fashion Week, at regal uptown galas and
hip downtown clubs. He lives in a small apartment decorated only by
an overwhelming amount of filing cabinets stuffed with negatives.
He's not partial to food, music, socializing or a stiff drink after
a long day of picture making.
This man is a fascinating contradiction: he's an unfashionable
character obsessed with what people wear. He appreciates the bold
statement made by a flashy ensemble, admiring anyone brazen enough
to step out in costume, but also has a soft spot for classic
elegance. His fascination with the way people choose to express
themselves through clothing is earnest, and he swears he has very
little interest in expanding his own modest wardrobe.
Bill
Cunningham New York is an excellent portrait of a bright,
strange soul. The snapshots of his unconventional life are a true
delight, and as the film progresses, we discover the complexities
that explain why he's so consumed by what he does.
This documentary is a must-see for any fan of photography, art,
culture, fashion, trends, New York, old men on bicycles and the
human condition.