John Wilson Discusses 'The History of Concrete' and His Creative Process

In a New Yorker interview, filmmaker John Wilson talks about his new movie, 'The History of Concrete,' which explores the material and the challenges of pitching such a project. Wilson, known for his HBO series 'How To with John Wilson,' lives in Ridgewood, Queens, where he co-owns Low Cinema, a micro-theatre with about forty seats. He began filming with his father's Hi8 camera at age twelve or thirteen and has been making movies daily since. The interview touches on his genre-blending style, his interest in the mundane, and his experience at a Hallmark movie writing class. Wilson also recounts filming at Burning Man for his HBO show, where he faced logistical hurdles and a rival documentary's exclusive rights. The conversation includes his thoughts on cliché, the cyclical nature of concrete and media, and his stance on NIMBYism. The film addresses affordable housing and climate politics but avoids being preachy. Wilson's work is characterized by its humorous and poetic juxtapositions, capturing everyday moments that resonate emotionally.