The Times Of Bill Cunningham

The Times of Bill Cunningham is an exquisite and engaging 2018 documentary film that centers around the captivating life of renowned New York Times fashion and street photographer Bill Cunningham. Known for his striking images that captured not only the rhythm, razzmatazz, and regality of New York but its people as well, Cunningham visually narrated the city's essence through his lens.

The film is directed by Mark Bozek, who utilizes a marvelous and effective technique to rope in the audience—you almost feel as though you're having a one-on-one conversation with Bill Cunningham himself. Throughout the documentary, Bill's infectious love for New York City and its fashion-forward inhabitants grips the viewer in its vibrant charm.

For decades, Cunningham had an extraordinary knack for documenting fashion trends long before they hit the mainstream. Cycling through Manhattan with his camera, he would capture the city's style with an innate eye for honest design, from high fashion at Manhattan's most exclusive events to streetwear. He saw fashion everywhere and in everyone, rich or poor, famous or not—elevating the everyday New Yorker into something extraordinary through his camera lens.

Bill Cunningham's distinctive narrative reveals a poignant tale, not only about his journey but also about New York City's evolving fashion, music, and social scene throughout the 20th-century and beyond. The movie is profoundly impactful, breathing life into the soul of the city and its diverse inhabitants in collaboration with Cunningham's vibrant storytelling.

His fervor, humility, integrity, and tremendous talent remain palpable throughout the film, as highlighted by the use of a previously unreleased 1994 interview with Bill as a core component of the documentary. This significant piece of interview footage forms the backbone of the narrative, providing an intimate insight into the man behind the camera alongside hundreds of his distinct photographs and his effervescent commentary about the culture he experienced.

Bill's reluctance to exploit his subjects gives the audience a peek into his ethical connotations of being a photographer—it was not just about capturing the city's style; it was about respecting the subjects he photographed. He saw beauty and grace in the common people going by their daily routine, celebrities, performance artists, socialites, and even eccentric characters.

Moreover, Sarah Jessica Parker, an eminent film, television, and theatre actress and fashion icon herself, lends her voice as the narrator for the film. Her presence enhances the overall storytelling experience, elevating it to a new level of charm and sophistication. She aids in weaving the tale of the robust yet humble photographer in a simple but poignant manner.

Not just fashion, The Times of Bill Cunningham subtly opens the discussion to larger societal changes, such as the Women's Liberation Movement, economic disparities, the AIDs crisis, and how they intertwine with fashion's ever-changing trends. However, the documentary is not simply a montage of Cunningham's photographs; the filmmakers elaborate on Bill's personal life, providing depth and context to his work.

The Times of Bill Cunningham celebrates the city of New York, its spirit, and its inhabitants in an unrivaled manner. It's a heartfelt tribute to a man who devoted his entire life to showcasing the fashion, dignity, and everyday elegance of its people. The documentary manages to encapsulate not just the spirit of a city, but of a man who gave the beauty of New York back to its people – validating their existence and their style through his timeless visuals. Viewers will feel the sheer joy and reverence Cunningham had for his city and his craft all while leaving audiences to contemplate what it means to capture life as truly as one sees it.