Jupiter's Wife

Rating:
Summary: Why is this film so special?
Review: You could walk by Maggie Kogan without ever knowing that she was tuned into things from which you would not be able to make any sort of immediate sense. If you talked to her, you would probably get the impression that she was crazy. If you had a few psychology courses as an undergrad, you might see strains of schizophrenia with hints of disassociation and grandeur. But if you spent enough time with her, her world might poke through your conventional conception, and start to gain meaning.

The director of this documentary found a walking embodiment of personal mythology in a homeless woman in Central Park. Through research and interviewing, he proceeds to unravel a translation of Maggie Kogan that coalesces during the passing of the film. The director's approach makes the film special. A psychoanalyst might find contextual cues that would allow him to confront Maggie on an emotional level. Unfortunately this might risk a "psychotic" break in Maggie's sense of what we commonly recognize as reality. Thankfully, the director uses a much more subtle and non-judgmental approach. As we learn more about Maggie's past, and begin to understand her signifiers, we experience a fully realized and unique individual. The directorial tone allows the viewer to go beyond labels, and truly glimpse the totality of individual perception and reality. It's a rare opportunity in American film.

If you enjoy this, I recommend another documentary about a genuine NYC shining star- "The Cruise" featuring Timothy "Speed" Levitch--- a double-decker bus tour guide.

Rating:
Summary: Why is this film so special?
Review: You could walk by Maggie Kogan without ever knowing that she was tuned into things from which you would not be able to make any sort of immediate sense. If you talked to her, you would probably get the impression that she was crazy. If you had a few psychology courses as an undergrad, you might see strains of schizophrenia with hints of disassociation and grandeur. But if you spent enough time with her, her world might poke through your conventional conception, and start to gain meaning.

The director of this documentary found a walking embodiment of personal mythology in a homeless woman in Central Park. Through research and interviewing, he proceeds to unravel a translation of Maggie Kogan that coalesces during the passing of the film. The director's approach makes the film special. A psychoanalyst might find contextual cues that would allow him to confront Maggie on an emotional level. Unfortunately this might risk a "psychotic" break in Maggie's sense of what we commonly recognize as reality. Thankfully, the director uses a much more subtle and non-judgmental approach. As we learn more about Maggie's past, and begin to understand her signifiers, we experience a fully realized and unique individual. The directorial tone allows the viewer to go beyond labels, and truly glimpse the totality of individual perception and reality. It's a rare opportunity in American film.

If you enjoy this, I recommend another documentary about a genuine NYC shining star- "The Cruise" featuring Timothy "Speed" Levitch--- a double-decker bus tour guide.