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Frederick Wiseman

Seventh Row Editors / November 24, 2020

Ep. 67: Frederick Wiseman’s Ex Libris and City Hall

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.

Alex Heeney / October 27, 2018

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’.

Ex Libris: New York Public Library, Frederick Wiseman

Alex Heeney / October 23, 2017

‘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.

Frederick Wiseman, Gianfranco Rosi

Alex Heeney / October 31, 2016

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 Jackson Heights

Alex Heeney / November 20, 2015

Wiseman talks making In Jackson Heights

Master documentarian Frederick Wiseman discusses his editing process and how this informs how he shot In Jackson Heights.

National Gallery

Alex Heeney / December 15, 2014

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.

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