Bill Cunningham, New York

Director: Richard Press
Releasing in cinemas: 3 November 2011
Rated: PG

Here's a highly entertaining documentary to set the spirits soaring as it tells the inspirational story of a lovely old guy, one we'd all hope to know. Bill Cunningham, a veteran New York photographer has been riding his ancient bicycle around the streets for decades candidly capturing the fashion trends and glimpses into high society for his New York Times columns 'One The Street' and 'Evening Hours'.

Cunningham, an intensely private man, avoids any publicity like the plague, and is therefore not an easy subject to be talked into a documentary. It took filmmaker Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter eight years to convince Bill to be filmed, and then two years to shoot and edit the material. Bill agreed only to small cameras and no crew. Bill's obsession - indeed the love of his life - has been capturing the way people dress, especially the flamboyant and fashionable on the sidewalks of New York. In doing this, he has chronicled contemporary fashion for over half a century.

Bill has lived in a small cluttered apartment above Carnegie Hall for fifty years. He shuns eating at restaurants, and his only means of transport is an old pushbike. His spartan lifestyle contrasts vividly with those he regularly photographs, often the rich and famous. We follow his still-energetic passage through the packed streets in his blue utility jacket, equally at home snapping candids amongst the crowds, or at some ritzy social black tie function.

We watch the painstaking editing of his page, his attention to detail and eye for balance. We are guests at his 80th birthday party held at The New York Times, and his award presentation in Paris. The cameras are present too when he's moved to a new apartment after decades at Carnegie Hall. Bill asks that the kitchen appliances of the new apartment be removed to make room for his filing cabinets of negatives. After all:  “Who needs a kitchen?”

Always with a quick smile and infectious laugh, Bill gets on easily with those from any level of society. Covering everyone from the rarefied society page candidates like Tom Wolfe, Anna Wintour, David Rockefeller and Brooke Astor (all chat about Bill on camera), to the oddly eccentric and the stylish people in the street. His huge collection of photographs are “more reliable than any catwalk as an expression of time, place and individual flair.”

When questioned about previous romantic relationships, Bill laughs “Are you asking if I'm gay?”  It becomes clear the only love of his life has been his photography. He's more thoughtful in a poignant moment when asked about his attending church each week. Bill takes time to consider this question. Gaining affection from all those he meets and photographs, he's that lucky individual who has found the perfect occupation, and goes through life enjoying it to the full. His happiness is infectious as we watch the film.

The film shines with the friendly personality, engaging enthusiasm and unfailing good humour of this remarkable photographer. He's the grandfather you'd really like to have. It sounds like overkill, yet every minute of this film is a joy to share, thanks to the generous charm of Bill Cunningham, a man in love with life and fashion. I smiled right through it, and will be surprised if you don't. Have no doubt: it won the Audience Ward at the 2010 Sydney Film Festival, the 2010 Melbourne International Film Festival, and 2010 Canberra Film Festival. Bill Cunningham, New York is uplifting entertainment to a wide audience, and a 'must see' for aspiring photographers.  

John Bale