Bill Cunningham New York

Deb 10 Me 10

We see a lot of movies at South Coast Village in Santa Ana. Frequently the owner of the theater comes out before the movie and welcomes you, offers some trivia and introduces the film. Very cool. He tells us that this film is playing in New York where the lines to get in are around the block. He’s surprised there are only a few of us were here to see Bill Cunningham New York on opening night.

I’d never heard of Bill Cunningham. Bill is an odd, sort of eccentric old guy who has been doing what he loves since the 1940s. Today he is still going strong and shows no signs of slowing down.

Early in his life he was captivated by fashion and began documenting fashion in the streets. Stuff people wear. Weird stuff that people wear. Funny stuff, strange, new or unusual stuff. He takes really good snapshots of everyday people whose attire is a step above the rest, and these are assembled into a popular weekly feature in the New York Times.

Late in life we find the real fashion people, the runway folks, they love his work too. He is an embraceable character who does his work with dignity, humor and extreme dedication, a real throwback to a time of personal integrity. He’s pretty boss.

This is a straightforward documentary and the subject is fully aware that he is the subject, allowing for some neat little interactions. It is well done; sound, lighting, camera placement and creative editing make for a delightful movie. I can’t say enough good things about this little gem.