Tree Man

Tree Man is a poignant documentary that captures the journey of François, who is noted in the film industry for his exceptional performance as a Christmas tree salesman stationed in New York City during the festive holiday season. Released in 2015 by directors Brad Rothschild and John Reiner, this captivating movie is not just about a man with an unconventional occupation, but it battles subtly the themes of hope, love, family, and the complexity of human connections. Its 82-minute run time delivers a social commentary that is unmissable, enlightening Denver audiences about the realities and intricacies of street vending in New York City around Christmas.

At the heart of Tree Man is François, a Québécois father who leaves his own family each year to travel to New York City to sell Christmas trees during winter. François' story symbolizes the sacrifice and struggle faced by many in his line of work, who travel far from home, battling harsh weather conditions to earn a living during the holiday season. The film immerses viewers into François' daily routine and the simple life he leads during his one-month stint in New York City, from setting up his sidewalk shop to interacting with regular customers.

The documentary is phenomenally shot, depicting the vibrant city life along with François' journey placed right in the middle of it. Beautifully capturing the intellectually stirring narrative, Rothschild and Reiner manage to capture the fleeting beauty and the personals struggles behind this Christmas tradition that largely go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The film offers a first-hand look at an industry many New Yorkers engage with annually but know little about. Interweaving the journey of one tree vendor with the broader context of Christmas celebrations in New York City, the film reveals the harsh realities beneath the sentimental ritual of buying a Christmas tree.

A strong point in Tree Man is its evasion from over-dramatization. François’ tale is heartwarming in its simplicity, and it's this genuine portrayal of reality that makes the film standout. The director duo strips away the romanticism often associated with Christmas, exposing the chilly truths of the season in New York City, something François battles each year.

However, this is not a straightforward story of struggle. As the film progresses, we see François' customers, some of whom return year after year, form a bond with him. Many are seen offering him food, company, and much-needed warmth – both literally and metaphorically, which he graciously accepts. The movie, while displaying the struggles, also showcases the profound impact François has on the people he meets, and, in turn, their impact on him.

These customers act as secondary characters that elevate the documentary by adding depth to the narrative. These interactions become small vignettes of humanity, showing the kind of relationships that can form even in the most transient and unlikely situations.

Tree Man draws the audience into François' world – a world that is raw, often difficult, but imbued with a sense of meaningfulness that stirs up a different perspective towards the festive season and the human connections we make. As we delve deeper into his journey, we experience themes of loneliness, togetherness, dedication, and above all, the inherent human need for connection.

The filmmakers, Rothschild and Reiner, deserve praise for beautifully bringing out these larger themes through the magnifying lens of François' simple story. They have managed to paint an intricate picture of life, love, family, traditions, and much more, effectively humanizing the figure we see on the sidewalk selling Christmas trees every year.

In its essence, Tree Man is a heartwarming exploration of one man's resilience and human spirit during a festive yet challenging time of the year. By focusing on Francois's journey, it offers a unique lens onto the Christmas tree industry in NYC and humanizes the familiar faces that populate its sidewalks during the Christmas season. Its raw, intriguing narrative makes it a perfect watch for those in search of films that provide a meaningful and different insight into the world around them.