Running Fence
Where to Watch Running Fence
Running Fence from 1977 is a striking and intriguing documentary film showcasing the visionary work of the groundbreaking Bulgarian Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and his wife, Jeanne-Claude. Directed by David and Albert Maysles, the film meticulously narrates the physically and emotionally intense process behind transporting Christo and Jeanne-Claude's most ambitious projects from the realm of imagination to reality. Their project, christened "Running Fence,” aimed to create a 24-mile long, 18-foot tall white fabric fence that sweeps across the Sonoma and Marin counties in northern California, ending dramatically into the Pacific Ocean.
Not to be mistaken as a simple artistic rendering of the project, the film intricately documents the myriad challenges, hurdles, and negotiations that were integral to its realization. This was not just about crafting an enormous installation art—it was about amassing support, persuading stakeholders, and appeasing critics. The audience is exposed to the exhaustive bureaucratic battles, countless public hearings and, most notably, the oscillating human dynamics in a world where art clashes with practicality, bureaucracy, and social views.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude emerge as tenacious, resilient, and audaciously creative artists. The strength and singularity of their vision impel them to navigate a labyrinth of logistical and regulatory complexities. Their commitment to their art is unwavering, even in the face of strenuous objections from ranchers, officials, and locals, some of whom saw the project as an egregious misuse of land and resources. Their interaction with the locals provides a compelling counterpoint, pulling us back to the ground and reminding us that their visionary creation ripples through a complex web of social, political, legal, and environmental factors.
Christo's wit and charisma, coupled with Jeanne-Claude's tenacity, inject an infectious energy into what could easily have been a dry procedural narrative. Their passion becomes contagious, leaving viewers rooting for them, even as unforeseen hardships exacerbate. Their interactions, both personal and public, add an essential human element to the largely architectural endeavor, underscoring the crucial role human spirit plays in the success of their project.
The directors maintain a balanced perspective throughout, weaving together an intricate narrative from candid interviews, public hearings, and numerous interactive sequences. The film raises crucial questions about the purpose of art and its relationship with the spaces it occupies, engaging viewers in a discussion about the nature and functions of art in society.
Moreover, viewers get a personal look into the conversations held between Christo and Jeanne-Claude and landowners across Sonoma and Marin counties. These interactions show the artists' commitment to bringing their project to fruition. It’s fascinating to watch the landowners initially perplexed then gradually getting won over by their unprecedented vision.
Running Fence is as much a record of a remarkable piece of environmental art as it is a meditation on the place of art in the world. It manages to trace the four-year journey from conception to completion of the project, in a gripping and immersive manner. The final act, in particular, is an unforgettable panorama of the project's climax, with the fully erect, billowing structure undulating across the Californian landscape. Even though we know the outcome from the start, the emotional payoff is no less gratifying.
Despite all the fights and stumbling blocks, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s vision comes to life, leaving an indelible mark, not only in the field of art but also in the minds of those who witnessed it—through the film or physically.
From an aesthetical point of view, Running Fence is no less impressive. Beautifully crafted, the film pulls off an intricate blend of art, public response, and environmental negotiation. It stands as a testament to the Maysles brothers' skillful direction, and most importantly, to the enduring impact of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work.
All in all, Running Fence is a captivating documentary that showcases the artists' determination and imagination. It is a gripping lesson about perseverance and sticking to one's beliefs, no matter how audacious they may seem, making the film resonate beyond the realm of art into something universally human.
Running Fence is a Documentary movie released in 1978. It has a runtime of 57 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.4..