John Wilson, known for his quirky HBO series “How To with John Wilson,” has released his debut feature documentary, “The History of Concrete.” However, true to his style, the film isn’t really about concrete. Instead, Wilson takes viewers on a journey through various odd and intriguing topics, such as a man who preserves tattoos from deceased individuals and a park official who explains how to clean public pools. Although the documentary occasionally touches on concrete, Wilson quickly shifts focus, avoiding a deep dive into the material’s global impact. This approach reflects his reluctance to tackle the overwhelming and pervasive nature of concrete, which affects nearly everyone worldwide. The film highlights our dangerous inattention to this ubiquitous material, while Wilson’s quick, jump-cutting style mirrors modern attention spans.
QUESTION: Why do you think John Wilson chooses to avoid focusing on concrete’s impact, and how might this reflect broader societal attitudes towards addressing large-scale issues?
The secret message of John Wilson’s debut feature documentary, ‘The History of Concrete’
