Errol Morris' First Person: The Complete Series

In 2000, feature-film documentary filmmaker Errol Morris turned his considerable talents to the small screen and wowed pay cable viewers with this innovative, absorbing group of shows described as “nonfiction short stories” that allowed audiences to sample the lives of others in half-hour doses. Employing his “Interrotron” camera, which enables interview subjects to stare at their questioners on a TV monitor while simultaneously gazing into a camera lens, Morris introduces us to a diverse and occasionally bizarre group of people, including Clyde Roper, giant squid hunter; psychologist Gary Greenberg, who befriends Unabomber Ted Kaczynski in a calculated bid to further his publishing career; and Temple Grandin, a designer of humane slaughterhouses. Morris appears only as an offstage presence, occasionally making comments and only rarely expressing his emotions. But his personal touch is recognizable in every frame of the show as he intercuts stock shots and news clips either to directly illustrate points made by his subjects or to create visual context for the sentiments they express. Even though his subjects are, to put it charitably, somewhat out of the mainstream, Morris never overtly ridicules them, rather he seems to recognize the compelling nature of their obsessions—perhaps accounting for the unusual emphasis he places on their dreams and accomplishments. An audacious and provocative series that some people may find off-putting, First Person will appeal to viewers who appreciate off-kilter entertainment. Featuring all 17 episodes, but no extras, this is recommended. (E. Hulse)