Frederick Wiseman’s long career exploring the functions of American institutions continues with his recent City Hall. On this episode, we contrast it with Ex Libris, considering how Wiseman’s films differ when looking at systems which function well and systems which are not working.
Frederick Wiseman
Frederick Wiseman on Monrovia, Indiana: ‘I learned more about how to make a film by editing myself than any other way.’
In our fourth interview with Frederick Wiseman in as many years, he discusses his latest film, Monrovia, Indiana, collaborating with his longtime cinematographer, how he approaches theatre vs documentary film, and the shot he thinks ‘looked cool’.
‘Cutting at right angles’: Frederick Wiseman on Ex Libris: New York Public Library
Frederick Wiseman on the making of his exquisite Ex Libris: New York Public Library, which is about the role of the library in society.
Two opposing sensibilities: Gianfranco Rosi and Frederick Wiseman
Every documentarian has a unique approach to filmmaking, but you might not expect that Frederick Wiseman and Gianfranco Rosi often have polar opposite approaches to making their films. Based on two interviews with each documentarian, we break down their many points of difference, and a few similarities, in their approaches.
Wiseman talks making In Jackson Heights
Master documentarian Frederick Wiseman discusses his editing process and how this informs how he shot In Jackson Heights.
Frederick Wiseman on his new film National Gallery
His latest film, “National Gallery,” which premiered in the Director’s Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival in May, takes a look at the inner-workings of London’s renowned art museum. The film is a fascinating look at one of the greatest art museums in the world, its role in the community, and how the paintings it houses continue to speak to us.