Filmmaker Su Friedrich leads us through a meditation, utilizing a variety of footage but focused on her native Bed-Stuy, Brookland. “Try to pay attention to the moment," she says in the first scene, recording her foot while she lies in bed. Su takes us on a moment-by-moment time capsule of her life between 2016 and 2022. There’s no real rhyme or reason to this film beyond documentation. The camera lives in the moment, showing us what is before it with little context.
Occasionally, Su interjects her thoughts or the day’s activities with snarky text superimposed over the film. This brings an artful slice-of-life element to the film that follows it to its completion. Looking at history as it unfolds, we see many notable events in recent history, ending with some of the worst moments of the Covid-19 pandemic. Su steers the ship, but she doesn’t stand in the way of the viewer’s journey as we “Try to pay attention to the moment” as the moments bombard us.
There is a playfulness to this experimental documentary. Those looking for an art film experience will thoroughly enjoy Today. The lack of context and flow-of-consciousness style may grate on those not looking for an experimental experience. It is an incredibly artful film, but as a documentary, it lacks substance, meaning Su Friedrich’s latest film belongs on library shelves alongside art and experimental films for the best reception among patrons.
By eschewing the narrative, Su follows her long tradition of personal filmmaking experimentation, providing a thought-provoking experience for those interested in personal and queer film. While not perfect for every collection, Today is an intriguing meditation on a slice of American culture and queer existence. Those who enjoy slice-of-life fiction titles may also enjoy Today. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on library shelves?
Today belongs on queer and experimental film shelves.
What kind of film series could use this title?
A series of experimental or alternative documentaries would benefit from the addition of Today.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
DVD with Public Performance License fee: $348
Today is available for previewing and streaming on Docuseek2.