Anderson’s 35mm Concert Film Captures Winter’s Carnegie Hall Debut

Paul Thomas Anderson’s new documentary, 'Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall,' premieres at the New York Film Festival. The 75-minute film captures the Geese frontman’s solo piano performance from December 2025, shot on 35mm and 16mm. Critics praise its intimate, meditative style, comparing it to classic concert films like 'Stop Making Sense.'
Key points
- The film documents Cameron Winter’s solo acoustic performance at Carnegie Hall on December 11, 2025.
- Paul Thomas Anderson directed and operated a Panavision camera, with Benny Safdie serving as co-producer and cameraman.
- The 75-minute documentary is shot on 35mm and 16mm film, emphasizing a stark, visual aesthetic.
- The film premiered at the New York Film Festival and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on November 20, 2026.
- Critics highlight Winter’s baritone voice and sparse piano arrangements, noting the absence of interviews or voiceovers.
Background
Paul Thomas Anderson has a history of collaborating with musicians, including Jonny Greenwood and Haim. His previous concert film, 'Junun,' was released in 2015. Cameron Winter, frontman of the band Geese, released his solo album 'Heavy Metal' in 2024, which preceded this live performance.
How outlets are covering it
Rolling Stone emphasizes the film’s emotional impact and Anderson’s cinematic mastery, calling it a potential classic. The Guardian notes the film’s austere, ritualistic quality and its focus on the audience’s collective silence. Variety focuses on the sonic experience, comparing Winter’s voice to Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. IndieWire highlights the technical precision of the 35mm shoot and the film’s tender, introverted atmosphere. All outlets agree on the film’s high quality but differ in their emphasis on visual versus auditory elements.
Why it matters
The film represents a significant moment for concert cinema, blending high-profile auteur direction with the raw intimacy of a solo performance. It showcases the power of analog film stock in capturing live music and introduces a new generation of artists to a wider audience through a prestigious festival premiere.
What to watch
The film is set for a wide theatrical release in the United States on November 20, 2026. A live album from the performance is also expected to be released soon. UK and Australia releases are scheduled for 2027.
- Did Paul Thomas Anderson Just Make One of the Best Concert Movies Ever? Rolling Stone
- Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall review – Paul Thomas Anderson’s sumptuous recording is an immediate classic The Guardian
- 'Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall' Review: Rapturous Solo Concert FIlm Variety
- ‘Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall’ Review: PTA’s Spellbinding Concert Doc Is a Gorgeously Tender Performance IndieWire
- “CAMERON WINTER AT CARNEGIE HALL” Next Best Picture
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