Out of Competition review - IN JACKSON HEIGHTS by Frederick Wiseman
Inevitably, the very nature of the location and setting makes it relevant also on a political standpoint, especially given the recent immigration crisis experienced in Europe but also constantly delicate topics such as the Mexican border in the US, Lampedusa and countless other spots.
IN JACKSON HEIGHTS remains loyal to its location, but also obviously sides with tolerance of other cultures and the blending of cultures as well as safe guarding of the small shop owners and community centres that gather its factions together and debate on how to protect their beloved neighbourhood.
At three hours in length, it is obvious that the film might possibly frustrate some viewers, but their lack of patience has little to do with the standards of the film. IN JACKSON HEIGHTS is another masterpiece of observation which does not need to get technically overly complicated and is subtly edited, unburdened by time frames whilst remaining absolutely magnetic due to its almost musical rhythmic structure.
It is also committed to being meaningful, willing to truly represent the American concept of the States being a country of immigrants - not only the Irish and Italian immigration by storm of the well documented times, but also the Native Americans who, as the story goes, hailed from the Russian continent - but also a more universal message of brotherhood of man without being obnoxiously preachy or heavy handed. Few people are able to achieve so much so subtly, and FREDERICK WISEMAN is certainly one of those people.