Summary of the Review of John WilsonS “The History of Concrete”
This review details John Wilson‘s latest documentary, “the History of Concrete,” following his acclaimed HBO series. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Wilson’s Current State: The film finds wilson in a strange place post-success – recognizable but operating in the bizarre landscape of 2020s fame (appearing on weed packaging,getting Arby’s offers,being a Jeopardy! question). He’s struggling to find his next project.
* The Genesis of the Film: Inspired by a WGA strike workshop on making Hallmark movies, and a previous episode on scaffolding, Wilson turns his attention to concrete. He realizes how little we know about the ubiquitous material that shapes our world.
* The Film’s Approach: Like his previous work, “The History of concrete” takes a seemingly mundane subject and uses it as a portal to explore larger themes – decay, change, safety, and the cost of progress. It’s characterized by Wilson’s signature style: quirky visuals, unexpected tangents, and captivating characters.
* strengths: The film is consistently funny, surprising, and compelling. Wilson’s ability to find wonder in the ordinary and present eccentric individuals without mockery is highlighted.
* Weaknesses: The film suffers from a somewhat loose structure,particularly in the final third. Wilson seems to prioritize chasing absurdity over fully developing potentially impactful tangents about issues like affordable housing and infrastructure. he appears hesitant to become overly “polemical.”
* Overall Impression: Despite its flaws, “The History of Concrete” is a successful film that’s more than just about concrete. It’s a reflection on transition, the struggle to move forward, and the challenges of making documentaries in the current media landscape. It’s described as laugh-out-loud funny and consistently surprising, though perhaps a bit too long.
In essence, the review paints a picture of a uniquely talented filmmaker continuing to explore the world with his signature blend of curiosity, humor, and insightful observation.
Worth a look