Directed by: Richard Press
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Genre: Documentary
Running Time: 1hr 24min
By John Delia
Interesting and mesmerizing Bill Cunningham New York hits the screen about a fashion photographer who’s a friend of many and a ghost to millions. I liked this documentary as it bites off a piece of life that most people are unaware. There are many stories in the world about people but not many that take such an in depth perspective of a person who makes a difference in the fashion world.
The documentary shows a chunk in the live of Bill Cunningham a recluse photographer who rides his bicycle around New York City taking shots of women dressed in fashions off the rack and haute culture. His photos are published in the New York Times and over some 80 years have created a history of the way women dress.
The film treats the subject with a sensitive camera showing Bill’s recluse lifestyle, so simple and introspective. It is amazing to find out the many idiosyncrasies of the man and yet how important he is to the fashion world. Known by some of he most important people in fashion including The Devil Wears Prada focus Anna Wintour editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, Bill is one of the most sought after for his opinions.
Direction by Richard Press is keen and kind. He inserts film footage of Bill’s early life to show how adamant he has been in getting perfection in his photos from early on. Interviews with Bill are smart and sometimes humorous giving the film a light and whimsical feeling.
The documentary Bill Cunningham New York is unrated but contains very little material that could be deemed harmful in any way.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good documentary for those who love fashion. (B)