film review: CIFF: bill cunningham new york

Review by Kimberley Carey

This documentary is a touching and inspiring story of a man and his one, unwavering passion. The man is Bill Cunningham, and his passion is fashion photography, a job he has been doing for decades, taking photos of what people are wearing on the streets of New York.

The film begins with Bill – a skinny, grey, 80-year-old man in a blue jacket – setting off with his camera (with 35mm film) weaving through yellow taxi cabs on his bike, stopping to take photos of anything that catches his eye.

The film takes us through Bill’s influential career in the world of fashion, including his work in several magazines, both independent and well known, as well as highlighting significant trends which he both created and documented.

Interviews with figures such as American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who talks endlessly about his work and influence, but cannot comment on anything about his personal life, emphasises how removed he is from the usual extravagances of the industry.  When we see his everyday existence – sleeping between walls lined with filing cabinets, filled with every single photo and negative he has ever taken – his dedication to the craft, not celebrity.

The film always returns to just a man on the streets, snapping away at real life.

Little is learned of Cunningham’s personal life or history, though the exclusion of these facts only serves to emphasise his devotion to his work. It is a rarity, a person who has a true passion for what they get up to do everyday.  He photographs simply because it is what he loves to do.

The film entirely focuses on this aspect of his life.   When questions are asked about his sexuality and religion, his emotional though ambiguous responses give us little insight into these matters, in contrast to his extensive and intelligent comments on photography and fashion.

This seemingly specific documentary has something to offer a large audience.  Anyone interested in fashion will love it, as will anyone interested in photography, biography, social commentary or culture and history. It is an ultimately inspiring and heartfelt story about a truly unique man.