Get ready for a wild ride with John Wilson's debut feature film, The History of Concrete, an absurd yet captivating documentary that will leave you questioning everything!
For those who love a good laugh and an insightful journey, this movie is a must-watch. Wilson, known for his unique brand of observational comedy and documentary-style essays, takes us on a trip through the most iconic element of urban life - concrete. But here's where it gets controversial...
Wilson's journey began with a simple idea: to explore the world of concrete, a material so ubiquitous yet often overlooked. Little did he know, this exploration would lead him down a path of self-discovery and a unique perspective on modern life.
With his signature dry humor and an uncanny ability to find the hilarious in the mundane, Wilson presents us with a 100-minute adventure that feels like an extended episode of his beloved HBO series, How To With John Wilson. And this is the part most people miss - Wilson's fame, though niche, has only sharpened his eye for the bizarre and the beautiful.
The film starts with Wilson's signature greeting, "Hey, New York," setting the tone for a weird and wonderful journey. His newfound celebrity status adds an extra layer of absurdity, as he navigates offers from Arby's and becomes the voice of AI-generated gutter sales on TikTok!
But it's not all fun and games. Wilson's quest for his next project leads him to the Writer's Guild of America, where he attends a workshop on making and selling Hallmark movies. This is where the real fun begins, as Wilson brings home a set of hilarious and practical tips, including the importance of a high-note ending and the avoidance of certain tropes.
Inspired by a real Hallmark movie, 'Twas the Date Before Christmas, Wilson asks the question: why can't he sell concrete like a Hallmark movie? It's a thought-provoking moment that highlights our ignorance of the everyday things that dominate our visual environment.
This documentary is a continuation of Wilson's exploration of the mundane, building upon his iconic episode on scaffolding. With meticulous attention to detail, Wilson transforms concrete, a material often associated with decay and impermanence, into a symbol of hard-won change and a metaphor for the human condition.
Wilson's unique magpie instinct shines through, as he seamlessly weaves together disparate elements - from a bricklaying competition to a race around a single block in Queens. His visual collages and wacky tangents are a delight, offering a fresh perspective on the world around us.
However, the film's final act feels a bit loose, as if Wilson is more interested in chasing the absurd than finding a cohesive narrative. Despite this, the landing is smooth, and the film stands strong as a standalone piece.
The History of Concrete is more than just a documentary about concrete. It's a reflection on transition, the challenges of moving forward, and the state of the media industry. It's about embracing the real hard stuff, the imperfections and the gum-stained sidewalks of life.
So, will you join John Wilson on this absurd triumph of a journey? Catch it at the Sundance Film Festival and decide for yourself!
P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Is this documentary a refreshing take on the everyday, or does it fall short of its ambitious goals? We want to hear your opinions!
