Superb film. Superb subject. Maysles has the patience and self-confidence to let the pace speed and relent to suit the subject, and to convey a richer total impression. And it's huge fun!!
2
Albert Maysles always loved and never forgotten
Mayslesfilms.com
I had the good fortune of knowing Albert Maysles. We talked on and off and also many years back we honored Albert's work in the Art of Documentary Filmmaking. He stood before a packed house of 1,500 people at Lowes on 34th street talking to the audience, humble and amazing as ever.
Albert Maysles was a beautiful soul filled with love, awe and curiosity, he loved life and documentary filmmaking, he loved his subjects, IRIS is only one example of a crystalized work.
The best way to describe Albert and his work is by his own words often stated and lived by
"As a documentarian I happily place my fate and faith in reality. It is my caretaker, the provider of subjects, themes, experiences – all endowed with the power of truth and the romance of discovery. And the closer I adhere to reality the more honest and authentic my tales. After all, the knowledge of the real world is exactly what we need to better understand and therefore possibly to love one another. It’s my way of making the world a better place"....
Rest in Peace Good Kind Man
We love you and miss you
Always Carol
Mayslesfilms.com
I had the good fortune of knowing Albert Maysles. We talked on and off and also many years back we honored Albert's work in the Art of Documentary Filmmaking. He stood before a packed house of 1,500 people at Lowes on 34th street talking to the audience, humble and amazing as ever.
Albert Maysles was a beautiful soul filled with love, awe and curiosity, he loved life and documentary filmmaking, he loved his subjects, IRIS is only one example of a crystalized work.
The best way to describe Albert and his work is by his own words often stated and lived by
"As a documentarian I happily place my fate and faith in reality. It is my caretaker, the provider of subjects, themes, experiences – all endowed with the power of truth and the romance of discovery. And the closer I adhere to reality the more honest and authentic my tales. After all, the knowledge of the real world is exactly what we need to better understand and therefore possibly to love one another. It’s my way of making the world a better place"....
Rest in Peace Good Kind Man
We love you and miss you
Always Carol
2
Saw this tonight at Film Forum with Iris introducing the film. This movie is more profound than what initially meets the eye. A must see.
6
Albert Maysles and Iris Apfel were made for each other. I'm so pleased this documentary happened. In years to come, it will likely become a fashion touchstone if not a cinematic companion piece to Grey Gardens. Obviously these films come from two very different places in the universe, but we will puzzle pleasurably over how these sister films fit together.
4
i am 53 years young and i want to be just like iris when i grow up. beautiful woman, fantastic style, utter joy of life. one of life's delightful gifts to fashion and fun.
12
Don't wait until you grow up. Start now!
19
Iris, you are just my style! I love the mix too but wish I were living in NYC so I could really air it out like you.
4
Thank you for such thisreview! I was stunned and excited and strangely moved when I saw the Apfel exhibit at Peabody Essex Museum...and now I know why...Iris was a "glorious rebel". I knew she was an artist, creative, very smart and full of joie de vivre but you and Albert Maysles identified her essence.
4
Not 'was" -- "Is". She's still with us...
We need more people like Ms Apfel. She's an anti-minimalist who wears colour (fancy that in our monochrome normcore age) and keeps her stuff on view in her apartments as testament to her memories. Enough beige, enough dreary boring minimalist home decor. Let's hear it for colour and delight. Keep up the good work Iris - I raise my glass to you.
13
Fashion is narcissistic adults playing dress-up and then congratulating themselves for it. I'm embarassed the NYTimes still covers it. It's like covering religion, when the enlightenment took place centuries ago.
12
Close-minded dogmatism expresses itself in many ways.
8
I couldn't disagree more! Fashion is to humans what feathers are to birds - necessary, beautiful and strange.
Without fashion, we're either naked or wearing uniforms.
Fashion is an art form.
Without fashion, we're either naked or wearing uniforms.
Fashion is an art form.
27
Ms. Apfel's style represents, to me, a dynamic and unique energy and an intense love of life. She still cares. I hope I'm as "narcissistic" as Iris if I'm lucky enough to reach her age.
21
I adore Iris and her style and attitude. I discovered her through Bill Cunningham's photography, and she has been a true inspiration to me. She is just a celebration of color, textures, forms, and life in general as she clanks down the street with her piles of jewelry. She makes normcore people crazy. Good!
I will definitely see this documentary. Thank you for this great review!
I will definitely see this documentary. Thank you for this great review!
40
I have been a huge Maysles fan since I first saw Salesman.
It's lamentable that the final brick in their legacy is a testimonial to acquisition and consumerism and fame bestowed on someone who have never lifted a finger in her life, except to adjust her glasses.
It's lamentable that the final brick in their legacy is a testimonial to acquisition and consumerism and fame bestowed on someone who have never lifted a finger in her life, except to adjust her glasses.
7
SHE and her husband owned and operated a very successful textile company. She did a lot, and worked to earn all she has. Apology accepted. Her personal "work" cherishes the handmade, handcrafted works of many artists and crafts that are dead and dying. She inculcates in us an appreciation beyond, the black jeans and hoodie. If your going to criticize, at least do your homework.
37
if you are a 'huge Maysles fan,' try to hold the judgement until you see the movie. you might understand why he was drawn to her, and at the end of his life.
10
If Ms. Apfel has the creativity, energy and means to entertains the rest of us with he wonderful attire and decorating, God bless her.
23
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We need more of these documentaries about people who live their lives to the fullest, in unusual style.
31
And for as long as they are able.
4
Iris Apfel is an artist, both painter and canvas. The Met exhibit was beautiful, thrilling, and hilarious. No one puts it together like Dame Iris. No one.
22
Al was one of four filmmakers who made "Gray Gardens" he shares a film by credit with Ellen Hovde, Muffie Mayer and his brother David. Let's not ignore the work of these co-filmmakers.
12
Fantastic review as always, Ms. Dargis. Like its star, this documentary looks awesome. Albert Maysles gave us some great work and it was fitting a man who lived a life as rich as he did would capture a life as remarkable as Ms. Apfel's, or as she might put it, mandatory.
28
I have seen her images for years. but the movie really gives you the feeling of getting to know her and charmer of a husband, Carl.
People like Iris, who work hard, enjoy the fruits of their labor and give back (even if that means shopping and buying from small vendors and craftsman), are what make New York, New York.