Nobody's Business

Nobody's Business is an intriguing documentary film released in 1996, directed by Alan Berliner, an award-winning filmmaker best known for his evocative and introspective documentaries. Starring Alan Berliner himself alongside his reluctant subject Oscar Berliner, the film can be aptly described as an intimate, quirky, and sometimes confrontational depiction of the complicated relationships between fathers and sons.

The film, running approximately an hour, dives deep into the Berliner family history, with the primary setting being the living room of Oscar Berliner, Alan's father. Oscar Berliner is a man who values his privacy and deems the past irrelevant, positing his life story as "nobody's business." This is where the movie derives its name from, and sets in motion a theme that revolves around the concepts of individuality, privacy, and the very human yearning for self-significance and relevance.

Brilliantly combining old photographs, innovative graphics, and snapshot interviews, Alan begins to piece together the fragments of his father’s past, thus leading viewers on an entertaining and enlightening exploration of family, memory, aging and mortality. The visuals flow fluidly from census documents and marriage licenses to reminiscing memories, presenting an immersive and multi-sensory experience.

If you're looking for a Hollywood-blockbuster style documentary with dramatic arcs and car chases, Nobody's Business will disappoint you. However, if you possess a yen for introspective narratives that force you to think, reflect, and perhaps identify with the subjects, Nobody's Business does a remarkable job. It's emotional but not sappy, thoughtful but never overbearing. It's a perfect blend of humor and sentiment, sprinkled with the harsh realities of life that we often choose to gloss over.

This documentary contrasts two markedly different human attitudes. On one side, we have Alan: curious, passionate, enthralled by the past and eager to immortalize the family’s history. On the other side, we witness Oscar, whose existence in the present and disregard for the past is an equally compelling study in character. The film thus stirs a dialogue, posing questions about our obsession with remembering the past and documenting the present. Are our lives defined by the events of our past, the choices we've made, or, perhaps, are we more than the sum total of our experiences?

Both starring roles in the documentary — Alan, the probing son, and Oscar, the reticent father — beautifully highlight the father-son dynamics, characterized by generational differences, differing priorities, and a palpable tension that seemingly imbues their relationship. Yet, amidst these contrasts and conflicts, the film never loses its touch of humanity and love.

One of the most effective aspects of Nobody's Business is the way it maintains its raw, unfiltered aesthetic. The abrasive back-and-forths and blunt exchanges between Alan and Oscar are incredibly powerful, capturing the essence of their relationship. Authentic, honest, and void of any dramatic theatrics, these interactions bring the documentary to life.

Final thoughts on Nobody's Business should mention its universal appeal. In the heart of this documentary lies not just a specific personal narrative but a universal exploration of themes that are integral to our shared human experience. It is a gentle reminder of our collective mortality, the nature of life's inevitable progression, and the role of memory and history in shaping our identity.

To sum it up, Nobody's Business is a poignant exploration of familial dynamics, memory, and the meaning of life. It's unconventional, thought-provoking, and incredibly profound. Though on the surface the film explores the life of the Berliner family, its storytelling and themes touch on the existential questions of life that have always captivated human interest. This makes Nobody's Business a compelling watch for those who appreciate probing documentaries and seek to explore the elusive nature of human existence presented in film.