This documentary follows the subject in the title: a freelance photographer in his eighties who is hired at high society functions but is more interested in photographing the fashion on the streets. His photos of average people periodically showed in the New York Times.
This film is praiseworthy for various reasons. One is the skillful directing style by Richard Press. But the main draw is the genuinely humble and likeable subject matter. Like the Topp Twins, the subject of another documentary of the same era, Bill Cunningham manages to stay genuine despite the potential trappings of the arts and culture scene. This is especially true of the fashion scene which is frequently elitist, superficial, and downright snotty. Cunningham's belief is that everyone is interesting in their own way. His own lifestyle is very modest likely due to his working-class, Catholic background.
After being exposed to Cunningham for so long, it is clear there isn't a false note about him. This is not always the case in other fashion documentaries. One such example is "The September Issue" which was more of a public relations attempt for Anna Wintour to look good after being indirectly pilloried in "The Devil Wears Prada". Incidentally, Wintour shows in this current film. She's at least a little more genuine this time around.
The best thing about this film is its egalitarian outlook on fashion. Nobody is left out or chastised. What a wonderful attitude whatever the subject. It also includes a welcome rarity: looking back on the beginning of the flower-power, hippy movement with fondness rather than disdain. - dbamateurcritic.
This film is praiseworthy for various reasons. One is the skillful directing style by Richard Press. But the main draw is the genuinely humble and likeable subject matter. Like the Topp Twins, the subject of another documentary of the same era, Bill Cunningham manages to stay genuine despite the potential trappings of the arts and culture scene. This is especially true of the fashion scene which is frequently elitist, superficial, and downright snotty. Cunningham's belief is that everyone is interesting in their own way. His own lifestyle is very modest likely due to his working-class, Catholic background.
After being exposed to Cunningham for so long, it is clear there isn't a false note about him. This is not always the case in other fashion documentaries. One such example is "The September Issue" which was more of a public relations attempt for Anna Wintour to look good after being indirectly pilloried in "The Devil Wears Prada". Incidentally, Wintour shows in this current film. She's at least a little more genuine this time around.
The best thing about this film is its egalitarian outlook on fashion. Nobody is left out or chastised. What a wonderful attitude whatever the subject. It also includes a welcome rarity: looking back on the beginning of the flower-power, hippy movement with fondness rather than disdain. - dbamateurcritic.