Episode 159: Frederick Wiseman

In this episode, the Director's Club goes the verite route as we look at the films of legendary documentarian Frederick Wiseman. Joined by Chicago Film Discussion Group co-organizer Peter Richards, we go over the vastswath of a remarkably consistent body of work that delves into extensive looks at towns, schools, strip clubs, boxing gyms, and social organizations of all kinds, and explore how their deliberately removed perspectives and extended scopes allow for a contemplative insightful look at these subjects unique to the documentary form. (0:00) Intro to Wiseman (18:52) "Titicut Follies" (37:31) "High School" (48:12) "Juvenile Court" / "Welfare" / "The Store" (1:09:17) "Near Death" (1:27:58) "Aspen, CO" (1:33:05) "Public Housing" (1:49:02) "Belfast, MA" (2:02:30) "The Last Letter" (2:17:10) "Boxing Gym" (2:26:54) "Crazy Horse" (2:34:10) "At Berkeley" (2:57:13) "Ex Libris" (3:13:43) "Monrovia, IN" Stay tuned for the favorite films of 2018 year-end episode coming soon (feat. Brad, Jim + Patrick). Send us your top ten favorites of 2018 here: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe