Documentary Review: “The History of Concrete”
Spoiler Alert: This story contains minor spoilers for The History of Concrete, now in theaters.
John Wilson’s latest documentary The History of Concrete turns out to be more than just an exploration of a seemingly mundane subject; it reflects on the struggle of selling a film that centers on concrete. Wilson, previously known for his HBO series How To, embarks on a globe-trotting journey, capturing concrete conventions, ancient buildings, and the lives of various individuals connected to this versatile material. The behind-the-scenes meetings with Hollywood executives reveal skepticism about whether anyone would actually want to watch a film about concrete.
Wilson describes his intention to make the definitive film about concrete, but as the project evolved, he decided to weave in the meta-narrative of the filmmaking process itself. This shift led him to examine not only the subject matter but also the challenges of art-making in a commercial environment—commenting on the difficulty of securing funding for a project that some perceive as lacking appeal.
The documentary dives deep into the human experiences surrounding concrete. Wilson introduces audiences to a diverse array of characters, from a “gum buster” to a grieving musician, highlighting that even within a hard subject lies a soft, emotional core.
Insights from Wilson
Wilson discusses the challenges of converting the concept into a feature-length film rather than episodic content. While the feature format allowed for deeper storytelling, particularly with characters like Jack, a local musician, it also came with its own emotional weight and structural demands.
He reflects on contemporary documentary storytelling, noting that many creators often feel pressured to revisit sensational stories rather than pursuing original narratives. Wilson’s desire is for artistic expression to prevail, even when imaginative proposals face scrutiny.
The film culminates in various surprising moments, including an unplanned encounter with Kim Kardashian at a GQ dinner. Although he felt discomfort filming her, he aimed to capture the awkwardness of such celebrity events without scoring the scene, allowing viewers to linger in the moment.
In the end, the documentary balances humor and humanity, making it not just a history of concrete but a commentary on the human spirit and the trials of creativity in a commercial world. Wilson’s journey complements the series of interviews and experiences that shape this engaging documentary, ultimately celebrating the narratives that emerge from what might seem like hard surfaces.
