Frederick Wiseman, according to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, is “arguably the most important American documentary filmmaker of the past three decades.”
I’m not an expert on documentary films, but I’ve seen a fair number of them and I’ve never seen a Wiseman production. Clearly, I’m behind the times.
Wiseman’s first film, “Titicut Follies,” shot on location in 1967 at the former Bridgewater State Hospital, was banned from general release by the Massachusetts Supreme Court and was only allowed distribution in 1993. Supposedly, the film is only available to view for educational purposes; and costs $400 to rent the reels, as it’s not available on DVD. I’d like to see it.
I bring this up, as “Girl, Interrupted” is airing on AMC, based on Susanna Kayson’s time at the Claymoore Institute. I realize Claymoore is a far cry from Bridgewater, and the 1999 film is more about entertainment, social workers, and psychological drama than depression and the so-called criminally insane, but if for no other reason, I’d like to see Titicut to see what life was really like in Bridgewater.
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Ari Herzog is an online media strategist and Newburyport City Councilor-Elect.
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