The History of Concrete with John Wilson
· science
The History of Concrete: A Documentary That Raises More Questions Than Answers
John Wilson’s documentary, The History of Concrete, is an exploration of the ubiquitous building material that defies easy categorization. Like his previous HBO series, How To With John Wilson, this film prioritizes winding paths and meandering thoughts over clear explanations.
Wilson begins by describing his own ennui after completing How To With John Wilson, which leads him to a writing workshop where he meets people who are struggling with the impermanence of things. This encounter sparks an idea for a documentary about concrete. As he delves deeper into his subject matter, Wilson’s thoughts and encounters meander through various topics, including home repairs, wax museums, and companies that preserve tattoos by conserving skin underneath.
These detours may be fascinating in their own right, but they often leave the viewer wondering what any of this has to do with concrete. The connections are sometimes tenuous at best, yet Wilson’s affable charm and genuine curiosity make us want to follow him down these rabbit holes. In Rome’s ancient ruins, for instance, he ponders the durability of concrete alongside its aesthetic appeal.
One of the most affecting aspects of the documentary is Wilson’s encounters with ordinary people – a gum remover in Brooklyn, a bar-band musician on Long Island who finds solace in his friendship with Wilson after losing his partner. These moments are poignant and serve as a reminder that, beneath its gray surface, concrete has stories to tell.
What makes The History of Concrete compelling is its refusal to provide easy answers or neat conclusions. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the workings of Wilson’s mind – a whirlwind of associations, anecdotes, and philosophical musings. This documentary is not just about concrete; it’s an exercise in observing how one thread can lead to another, revealing new perspectives on the world.
The History of Concrete may raise more questions than answers, but its value lies in challenging us to think differently about our surroundings and the people we encounter. It reminds us that even in mundane moments, there is beauty and significance waiting to be uncovered – if only we take the time to look.
Reader Views
- DEDr. Elena M. · research scientist
While Wilson's meandering approach may be thought-provoking, it also risks trivializing the significance of concrete in our built environment. The documentary would have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of the material's environmental impact and its often-overlooked role in exacerbating urban heat islands. By glossing over these pressing concerns, Wilson misses an opportunity to provide viewers with a more comprehensive understanding of concrete's complex place within our modern world.
- CPCole P. · science writer
While John Wilson's meandering approach to documentary filmmaking can be captivating, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of using concrete as a metaphor for human experience. In prioritizing the personal over the historical and technical aspects of concrete, The History of Concrete glosses over some of the more pressing concerns surrounding its use, such as sustainability and structural integrity. A more nuanced exploration of these issues would have provided a more balanced and informative view of this ubiquitous building material.
- TLThe Lab Desk · editorial
While John Wilson's documentary The History of Concrete is praised for its affable charm and genuine curiosity, it's worth noting that this meandering style may not be to every viewer's taste. For those seeking a more concrete take on concrete – pun intended – the film's diffuse focus might leave them feeling frustrated rather than fascinated. A more nuanced approach could have explored the intersections between materiality and meaning in architecture, art, or even politics, but instead Wilson's digressions often obscure as much as they reveal about this ubiquitous yet complex building material.