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Albert Maysles’ Shortlist

Published on January 17, 2007

Starting this month, we’re introducing a new article series called Shortlist, your opportunity to learn about the films that inspire intellectual, artistic and activist leaders. Leaders like Albert Maysles, a pioneer of cinema vérité whose documentaries explore issues from poverty (Lalee’s Kin) to politics (Primary). We asked Mr. Maysles to share his favorite films and his thoughts on the power of documentary to change the world. So what films make Al’s Shortlist? Keep reading to find out.

Albert Maysles, photo by Kendall Messick

Who is Albert Maysles?

Albert Maysles is a pioneer of Direct Cinema who, with his brother David, were the first to make nonfiction feature films (Gimme Shelter, Salesman, Grey Gardens) where the drama of life unfolds as is without scripts, sets, interviews or narration. His first film, Psychiatry in Russia (1955) he made in transition from psychologist to documentary filmmaker. In 1960 he served as co-filmmaker of Primary. His 36 films include What’s Happening? The Beatles in the USA (1964), five films of the projects of Christo and Jeanne-Claude (1972 to 1995), Meet Marlon Brando (1965) and three documentaries for HBO. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship (1965), a Peabody, an Emmy, five Lifetime Achievement Awards, the award for best cinematography at Sundance (2002) for Lalee’s Kin, which was also nominated in 2001 for an Academy Award and most recently, the Columbia Dupont Award (2004). In 1999 Eastman Kodak saluted him as one of the 100 world’s finest cinematographers. Albert’s latest project, The Gates (1979-2005), is presently in postproduction.

Albert Maysles on the Power of Documentary

As a documentarian I happily place my fate and faith in reality. It is my caretaker, the provider of subjects, themes, experiences—all endowed with the power of truth and the romance of discovery. And the closer I adhere to reality the more honest and authentic are my tales. After all, the knowledge of the real world is exactly what we need to better understand and therefore possibly to love one another. It’s my way of making the world a better place.

Albert Maysles’ Film Picks

Diable Au Corps
Man With a Movie Camera
The Battle of San Pietro
The Red Earth
Madame L’eau
You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
The Koumiko Mystery (Le Mystère Koumiko)
All My Babies
Beauty Knows No Pain
Thelonius Monk: Straight No Chaser
The Sorrow and the Pity
In the Year of the Pig
Broadway by Light
Bus 174
Starting Place (Point De Depart)
Qué Viva México!