How To with John Wilson

How to with John Wilson is an American docu-comedy series produced by HBO and first premiered in 2020. The series is astoundingly refreshing, casting a new light on docuseries based television. It's a hodgepodge of improvisational therapy, self-help course, and unscripted comedy, with a flair for the quirky. John Wilson himself is the series' auteur, capturer, and unsung hero. His gift for making the ordinary seem extraordinary is nothing short of a revelation.

The unique framework of the series is formed around a simple concept; John Wilson, a filmmaker based in New York, tackles a variety of everyday and uncommon situations and subject matter, transforming each into an instructional video, or rather, a How To 'guide'. From small mundane tasks like making small talks to the much larger and complex issue of understanding memory, each episode takes on a distinct subject, resulting in a profound investigation of the human condition. The aim is not necessarily to find answers but to explore the complexities, peculiarities, hilarities, and even tragedies of everyday life.

Through the lens of his camera, John presents a quirky, voyeuristic perspective into the lives of various inhabitants of New York City and beyond. Using his footage, he weaves an engaging narrative brimming with humor and insight. His capacity to find naturally occurring sitcoms on the streets is phenomenal. The end result feels remarkably genuine, bitingly funny, and remarkably perceptive about human experiences.

John Wilson's distinct filmmaking and storytelling technique shine in their purest forms in this series. He is known for his use of voice-over, mainly, his own unassuming commentary that provides a light-hearted, sometimes sarcastic, and most times, profoundly reflective narrative that ponders upon the mysteries and mundanities of life. The voiceover forms the backbone of the show, with Wilson’s amusingly monotone narration coupled with carefully captured visuals, bringing a whimsical charm to the series.

Every episode is filled with seemingly unrelated tangential clips, which when seen from the perspective of the larger picture, fits perfectly into the narrative, thus painting a multi-layered picture. These random montages capture the cacophony, diversity, and stark reality of the city, taking the viewers on a rollercoaster ride through its alleyways, capturing its eccentricities and charm along the way, and eventually offering a beautifully messy and real depiction of life.

While NYC forms the vibrant backdrop of most of the episodes, John's pursuits are not geographically constrained as he follows the narrative wherever it leads him. The city, in its roles as a supporting character, offers a real-life theater of human behavior and eccentricities, which forms the raw material of the series. John captures the city's spirit, populous, and their environments, in their raw and unfiltered form, resulting in a candid portrayal that is both heartwarming and humorous.

The charm of this series lies in its unpredictability, as you never know what the next scene might bring. Seemingly simple tasks culminate in analysis of philosophical problems, or take an inconceivable direction, stirring a sense of curiosity and intrigue in the viewers. Although the narration is structured as 'how-to' guides, the series is more of an exploration into the depth of simple topics, getting viewers to rethink and observe things they might have overlooked.

How to With John Wilson is a unique foray into socio-cultural commentaries that appeal to a wide variety of audiences. It transforms mundane scenarios into insightful dissertations about life's highs and lows. With its innovative storytelling, the series achieves a striking balance between comedy and heartfelt commentary, encapsulating the human experience in all its varied forms.

All in all, this is a series that offers both light-hearted escapism and profound exploration of the human experience. In a world where heavily fabricated reality television has become the norm, How To With John Wilson brings viewers back to the essence of genuine human experiences, masked under the disguise of everyday life, and wonderfully encapsulated with a touch of wit and wisdom.