BILL CUNNINGHAM: NEW YORK (USA 2010) ***
Directed by Richard Press

The beginning of Richard Press’ documentary sees an 80+ year-old man photographing beautiful women at random on the streets of New York.  To the unfamiliar, he might appear to be a dirty old man, but he is in reality Bill Cunningham, famous New York Times photographer and fashion writer.

For decades, Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist Bill Cunningham has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirées for the Times Style section in his columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.” Director Press paints an informative homage to this man and shows too, his true qualities as a human being dedicated to his work.  Press reveals Bill as a vocal yet very private man.  One can likely guess that Bill did not want too much of his background (like family, love life) on display.  That works too for the film as the film’s intent to illustrate the man’s work and genius with as few distractions as possible.

Interviewees chosen to speak their love for Bill include Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, author Tom Wolfe, actress Brooke Astor and David Rockefeller.  But the most fascinating part of Bill is his principles.  He takes no money as he believes that being paid takes away his freedom to do what he wants with his work.  When evicted, he says that as long as his new place does not interfere with his work, he is satisfied.  The dozens of rows of filing cabinets storing all his photographs and negatives in his one room apartment attest to both the man’s dedication and eccentricity.

Many documentaries are as fascinating as its subject.  Fortunately, Press’ subject is a lively, charismatic, totally likeable and humble genius.  Press allows the material to flow freely and the film works as both entertainment and education.