John Wilson’s Concrete Documentary Finds Meaning in Mundane New York

Key points

• The film, directed by John Wilson, explores concrete as a universal metaphor for the human experience, linking it to themes of mortality and creativity.
• Wilson’s non-linear style connects disparate elements, including a tattoo preservationist, a gum-removal van, and a brief segment on the rapper DMX.
• The documentary had a limited U.S. release on Sept. 18 and is expanding to more theaters this weekend.
• Wilson spent approximately one year filming before finalizing the narrative, discarding most of the initial footage to find the film’s core structure.

Background

Wilson is best known for the HBO series 'How to with John Wilson,' which utilized a similar slice-of-life, observational style. His new feature marks his first foray into a full-length theatrical release, moving away from the episodic format of his previous work.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post emphasizes the film’s profound and philosophical nature, framing it as a meditation on meaning in a chaotic world. In contrast, thisiscolossal.com highlights the film’s absurdity and humor, noting how Wilson uses concrete to explore the eccentricities of New York City and its inhabitants. Both outlets agree on the film’s unique, non-traditional documentary structure, but the Post focuses on its emotional depth while Colossal focuses on its quirky, visual storytelling.

Why it matters

The film challenges traditional documentary formats by using a mundane subject to explore complex human themes, offering a fresh perspective on how art can find meaning in everyday materials and urban environments.

What to watch

The film is expanding its theatrical release across the U.S. this weekend, following its initial limited premiere on Sept. 18.