Acclaimed filmmaker Frederick Wiseman died last week at the age of 96. It was my honor to play a small part in helping him make one of the final movies of his 56-year career.
Wow. Great article. I will now consider myself one of the "dozen people who will be obsessively interested in this". The narrative of how you, Frederick Wiseman and Marty Walsh came together fits with how I am here: blame my high school classmate, friend and fellow musician and music lover Dave Doremus. Also because during my 3 years in Boston I saw just about every great local band, including HSR at least 15 times, and because when Casey Cameron and I once shared a late night Green Line trolley I was able to tell her I felt like I was riding with royalty. And yes, I know this is not your music focused substack, but that's how I got here...
I can just picture you coming at the mayor about this, and I always go back to when Marty was in the legislature and you were pushing "Roadrunner" as the state song, and Marty said, "Sure, whatever you want." I hear the resignation in his voice. Although this time he did make you clear it with the press folks!
Terrific post, Joyce. When I interviewed Wiseman, he was effusive about how pivotal your support had been in making the film happen.
Great essay my friend. Your commitment to art and public commentary and to beings is a thing to behold. Thank you!
Thanks for making that happen, and for highlighting his work. An American hero who we can all keep learning from.
Joyce, you have a way with words.
i point and bow.
Spectacular, Joyce. Thanks for sharing this story and the meaningful details.
Wow. Great article. I will now consider myself one of the "dozen people who will be obsessively interested in this". The narrative of how you, Frederick Wiseman and Marty Walsh came together fits with how I am here: blame my high school classmate, friend and fellow musician and music lover Dave Doremus. Also because during my 3 years in Boston I saw just about every great local band, including HSR at least 15 times, and because when Casey Cameron and I once shared a late night Green Line trolley I was able to tell her I felt like I was riding with royalty. And yes, I know this is not your music focused substack, but that's how I got here...
Casey Cameron (swoon)!
I can just picture you coming at the mayor about this, and I always go back to when Marty was in the legislature and you were pushing "Roadrunner" as the state song, and Marty said, "Sure, whatever you want." I hear the resignation in his voice. Although this time he did make you clear it with the press folks!
No resignation. He was a really good sport about stuff like that! With Roadrunner, it was more like "OK, If you think it's a good idea..."