film review: bill cunningham new york

At a time when street fashion blogs like The Sartorialist are growing more and more popular , Bill Cunningham New York shares the story of a man who does it the old fashioned way: taking photos of stylish people for the newspaper. Not just any newspaper, either- this is the second documentary of late to feature the legendary New York Times. However, this time the paper is merely a background setting in which to experience the utter delight that is Bill Cunningham.

Cunningham is about the least likely fashion photographer one can think of. He is a man in his eighties wearing simple clothes and a cap, darting through New York traffic on a bicycle. The movie follows his day-to-day work on the streets and at charity events, portraying someone who is not caught up in the drama of the fashion world. He seems to hold a special kind of power in it anyway, which is most clearly articulated with praise from Vogue editor Anna Wintour herself.

You get the sense that it would have been hard to make a bad movie about this man. He is unique and outspoken, and his energy is captured well by the camera. Despite all the beautiful clothes and eccentric characters that feature, Cunningham remains the central focus throughout the entire film. We are introduced to his tiny studio at  Carnegie Hall, a building that had traditionally been home to many artists and performers. He and the other remaining tenants are about to be evicted, to the horror of many. This story adds a sense of nostalgia to the film, which is contrasted by the ever vibrant career of Cunningham himself.

There are a few more personal moments, which are simply presented as a conversation between the filmmaker and the subject. Just enough is shared about Cunningham’s life that it feels personal and intimate, yet not intrusive. These moments are given particular importance due to the testimonies from his friends and colleagues that they know absolutely nothing about his life and history.

This bare minimum approach carries across to other areas such as the soundtrack. Music is used sparingly but effectively, particularly in the closing scene. With a personality like Cunningham, frills and tricks are hardly necessary. This is absolutely the film’s strength: it is clear that the filmmakers knew they did not need to try too hard to tell a great story.

Cunningham has wise words to share and the film does well to let his musings about the world shine through. Its title may include New York as well but really, it is the picture of New York as Bill Cunningham sees it that makes it worth watching.

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