For years, Bill Cunningham's fashion columns "On the Street" and "Evening Hours" have become staples of the New York Times. Traversing both high society balls and the streets of the city on his trusty bicycle, the 80-something year old has become one of the most beloved photographers in the industry. "Bill Cunningham New York" is a loving portrait, told by many who all admire the man and his work and seem to know so very little about him. What the film uncovers about the magnetic and almost monastic man, especially in his poignant response to two concluding questions about his lifestyle and religious beliefs posed by director Richard Press, is what makes this film so special. I could see how someone could be steered away from a documentary about a fashion photographer (as I was initially), but it would be wrong and shallow for any film/documentary lover to deny themselves this wonderful portrait of such an endearing and interesting person.
