UW Cinematheque: Frederick Wiseman - Documentary Pioneer

Having tackled subjects ranging from inner-city high schools to Madison Square Garden, renowned documentarian Wiseman shifts his gaze to the Paris Opera Ballet. Blending style and substance, the dancers’ rigorous training closely matches the precision and dexterity of the film’s own investigation. We’re given a thorough and nuanced portrait of this very traditional European institution, examining a labor spectrum that includes both janitors and administrators.