City Hall by Frederick Wiseman

City Hall focuses on Boston, which, of course, adds to its appeal for me. The Mayor, Marty Walsh, plays a big part, the Washington Post reviewer thought too big a part. But he’s a very unassuming guy who seems truly dedicated to helping the people of Boston deal with problems, whatever they may be.

The real meat of the movie, however, is found in the scenes of government bureaucrats interacting with each other and the citizens of Boston. There are meetings where they are trying to alleviate homelessness. There is a same sex marriage performed. Trash men picking up refuse, including a mesmerizing scene where mattresses, box springs and even a large outdoor gas grille are shoved into the trash compactor truck.

I was, frankly, surprised at how completing the film was. I even found a budget briefing strangely absorbing. And I’m not sure why. I have to admit it made me feel good inside to know that there are people all over the country simply trying to help people in need in their communities. At a time when we have a president utterly ignoring the worst humanitarian disaster in the country’s history, it does give some hope that we might get to a better place when he leaves the scene.

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