Finding Vivian
Maier is a compelling cinematic documentation of young filmmaker and amateur
historian John Maloof’s discovery of a never-discovered photographer from the
past. Maloof purchased boxes of Maier’s work at an auction, without knowing
what he had bought. This purchase led to an investigation and he discovered
that she was a nanny who did street photography as a hobby over the course of
her life. The work and the unraveling of this mystery is the strength of the film,
while the interviewees can be more of a distraction and irritation.
With over
100,000 photographs taken over the course of her life, there is plenty of work
to be displayed in this documentary. These images are often far more powerful
than the revelations about Maier’s personality. There are some condemning
aspects of her personality that find their way to light, but the filmmakers
almost seem to shy away from delving too deep into her personality deficits in
favor of her talents. On the other hand, it is difficult to know how much you
can believe from the children that she once cared for. Even these interviews
can be oddly paradoxical, praising Maier one moment, criticizing her the next.
The special
features may actually be of more interest than the film itself for some fans of
her work. There is a photo gallery, an extra which has never been more suited
to a film, as well as Maier’s audio recordings and Super 8 footage.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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