John Wilson's Concrete Feature Debuts with Record Box Office and Controversial Tactics
John Wilson's debut feature, The History of Concrete, has opened to critical acclaim and record-breaking numbers at the IFC Center, marking a significant step for the creator of the HBO series How To with John Wilson. The 100-minute documentary explores the material concrete through a digressive, comedic lens, blending urban observation with meta-commentary on filmmaking. Wilson shot 99% of the footage himself after struggling to secure funding, incorporating unconsented Zoom calls with executives and a Hallmark movie seminar to structure the narrative. The film has achieved a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and is projected to be the best-opening documentary in the IFC Center's 21-year history, with a wider release planned for 20 markets.
Key points
- The History of Concrete is a 100-minute feature documentary directed by John Wilson, released by Magnolia Pictures.
- The film opened at the IFC Center in New York, surpassing previous records for documentary openings, including Werner Herzog's Cave of Forgotten Dreams.
- Wilson shot 99% of the footage himself, rebuilding his archive from scratch after his HBO series ended.
- The narrative structure is influenced by a Writers Guild seminar on Hallmark movies, which Wilson uses to subvert traditional formulas.
- The film includes unconsented recordings of Zoom calls with industry executives, a tactic Wilson describes as a 'street-photographer mindset.'
- Critics and audiences have praised the film's 'magic trick' editing and Wilson's ability to find profound meaning in mundane urban details.
Background
John Wilson previously gained fame for the HBO series How To with John Wilson, which ran for three seasons from 2020 to 2023. The series was noted for its unique style, combining observational documentary with Wilson's halting narration. After the show ended, Wilson faced challenges in securing funding for a new project, leading to the creation of The History of Concrete. The film's release follows a period where Wilson explored the intersection of art and commerce, including his experience as a landlord and his interactions with New York City officials like Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
How outlets are covering it
Slate Magazine emphasizes the 'magic trick' nature of Wilson's editing, highlighting how he structures the film to create surprising connections, such as the DMX reference. The Guardian focuses on the 'sickness' in Wilson's method, noting the difficulty of securing funding and the film's exploration of the mundane. The New Yorker discusses the 'poetry of the mundane,' comparing Wilson's work to James Joyce's epiphanies and emphasizing the value of capturing everyday life. Deadline provides the box office context, noting the record-breaking opening and the film's expansion to 20 markets. All sources agree on the film's critical success and Wilson's unique approach to documentary filmmaking, but differ in their emphasis on the creative process versus the commercial impact.
Why it matters
The success of The History of Concrete demonstrates the viability of auteur-driven documentary filmmaking in the current market. It shows that a film with a niche subject and unconventional structure can achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. The film's record-breaking opening suggests a strong audience appetite for Wilson's style, which blends comedy, observation, and meta-commentary. Additionally, the film's controversial tactics, such as unconsented recordings, raise questions about the ethics of documentary filmmaking and the boundaries of artistic expression.
What to watch
The History of Concrete is set to expand to 20 markets, including Los Angeles, in the coming weeks. Wilson has indicated that he has a new project in mind, though he has not revealed details. The film's success may lead to further exploration of Wilson's style and potentially new collaborations with industry figures. The ongoing debate about the ethics of unconsented recordings in documentary filmmaking may also continue to be a topic of discussion in the industry.
- His HBO Show Was a One-of-a-Kind Cult Sensation. Now He’s Back With His First Movie. Slate Magazine
- ‘The History of Concrete’: John Wilson’s New Movie Reviewed The New York Times
- John Wilson on his unlikely concrete movie: ‘There might be a kind of sickness in shooting things this way’ The Guardian
- John Wilson’s Poetry of the Mundane The New Yorker
- John Wilson Lays Down ‘The History of Concrete’ With ‘The Weight’, ‘Shaun The Sheep’ In Packed Indie Weekend – Specialty Preview Deadline
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