Document This- Art, Elmo, and Parking Lots

In the past few days I've finished three documentaries that are definitely worth sharing. I must say, as much as I disagree with some of the business decisions that Netflix has made, the six or seven bucks a month for streaming is worth it in the documentaries section alone. I habitually add more and more on the my queue- I get excited at the idea of unlimited things.

Herb and Dorothy
2008
87 minutes
I have to confess that it took me a few weeks to finish this, although this is definitely not a testament to its quality. Herb and Dorothy are an adorable elderly couple from New York City that started collecting art as soon as they got married. They discovered little-known artists and bought their art extremely cheap, only to eventually see the prices skyrocket when their finds become popular (like Chuck Close). These people are truly passionate about art- not money (they never sell their pieces). They've started their 50 Works for 50 States endowment program and have most of their art housed in various major institutions. One of my favorite parts was when the National Gallery set up an endowment for them (they lived in a small apartment, he a retired Postal Service worker, and she a retired librarian) so they could actually live a little more affluently but they spent the money on more art. The documentary ends with couple going to the Apple store so they could buy their first computer.

Should You Watch It? It may not be for everyone, since it isn't really based on a singular big event, but I thought it was an interesting look at the art scene. And Herb is super hot.

Being Elmo
2011
76 Minutes
A few good friends have recommended this for my husband and me (he's the hugest Muppet fan I know), so we finally watched it this weekend. I absolutely loved it- it seriously made me feel warm and mushy inside, which is no easy task. The story behind Kevin Clash, the man behind Elmo, is inspiring and just plain good old-fashioned heart warming. He's a genuinely talented man that cares about Muppetry, Sesame Street, and making kids all over the world happy. I love the idea of childhood being about wonder and imagination, rather than "stuff" and total sensory overload. Oh Sesame Street... you remind me of a better time. This will definitely be something we show our future kids.

Should You Watch It? Do you have a soul?

The Parking Lot Movie
2010
70 Minutes
I always say a good documentary can make a film about pocket lint interesting if it's done right- a parking lot is basically the same thing. Set in Charlottesville, Va, the parking lot attendants that run this lot offer their take on the class structure, the trouble with entitlement, and how judging someone on their employment is wrong. Most of the men in this movie are truly intellectuals, just working as attendants while in school (tons of anthro majors) or while trying to get projects on the side going. A truly unique perspective on society.

Should You Watch It? I think it offers a good lesson on curbing judgement and is pretty entertaining, but I think some people that lack my awesome sense of humor and appreciation for randomness might not appreciate it as much as I do.