Review of Salesman (1969) by C F — 20 Aug 2008
Not only is this a beautiful piece of direct cinema, but it also serves a fine piece of carbon-dating, as a snapshot of a time and place in American history. There are so many elements at work here and so many things that you can get out of it.
Zwerin and the Maysles Brothers provide us with a fascinating inside look at these men and their sales tactics, and how draining it can really be to have to go out and put yourself on the line day in and day out.
It can also be looked at as a commentary on the idea of religion being sold as a commodity, or as a reflection on the state of lower-middle class Christian households in the 1960's. But luckily, the fly on the wall style means that the filmmakers never find it necessary to lecture the audience.
It's just pure, unfiltered life happening in front of the camera, and it's pretty fucking great.
This review of Salesman (1969) was written by C F on 20 Aug 2008.
Salesman has generally received very positive reviews.
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