John Wilson Explains Choosing ‘The History Of Concrete’ Over Basement Repairs
Three years after the final episode of his HBO series, John Wilson returned to nonfiction filmmaking. His feature documentary made a special European premiere this week at CPH:DOX. The film had its first public screening at Sundance in January.
Origin: A Basement Leak and an Idea
Wilson said the project began with a home problem. A cracked foundation and a leaking basement prompted him to investigate. That practical concern evolved into a broader film about concrete and life.
In an interview with Filmogaz.com, John Wilson explains choosing ‘The History Of Concrete’ Over Basement Repairs. He described the leak as the initial push. The inquiry soon expanded far beyond household maintenance.
Structure and Themes
The film uses concrete as an entry point. It becomes a meditation on life and death. Wilson weaves disparate topics into a single essayistic thread.
Viewers encounter references to Hallmark holiday films, New York affordable housing, and even sidewalk gum removal. There is also an unexpected human love story at the film’s center. The piece relies on Wilson’s distinctive short-form essay style, adapted to feature length.
People and Places Featured
Wilson sought out both experts and chance encounters. Early scenes include students in Columbia University’s concrete lab. He also filmed a local liquor store promoter who lived a few blocks from his house.
Wilson filmed potholes on city streets before meeting that promoter. The two then spent about a year together on camera. He also shot footage in Copenhagen, Barcelona and London, though that material was later removed.
International Footage and Editing Choices
The director said he cut the European brutalist footage. He felt others had already told that story. He preferred to focus on the American context instead.
The film is primarily set in the United States. Wilson admitted Europe can feel intimidating. He described himself as a bit of a fish out of water there.
Production Team and Process
Wilson wrote every draft of the feature himself. This differed from his TV work, which was developed collaboratively with co-writers. For the series, he often began with a tentative episode title.
Editor Cori Wapnowska joined after Wilson assembled a rough cut near 90 minutes. Producers Clark Filio, Shirel Kozak and Allie Viti supported the project intermittently. They balanced commitment with other work demands.
Financial and Creative Strains
Budget limits posed a major challenge. Wilson was unable to pay collaborators at the rates they earned on television. That constraint caused the greatest pain during production.
He also faced repeated moments of doubt. Wilson said he almost abandoned the film many times. Anxiety and uncertainty were constant companions through the process.
Influences and Aspirations
Wilson cited a range of filmmakers who shaped his sensibility. He named Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi. He also referenced Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s Salaam Cinema and the work of Agnes Varda.
European cinema essayists also informed his approach. Those influences appear in the film’s reflective tone and observational methods.
Festival Path and Sales
The History Of Concrete screened at Sundance in January. The film then reached Europe for a CPH:DOX special screening this week. UTA Independent Group handles international sales.
Wilson hopes viewers will look at their own cities differently. He wants audiences to consider what materials shape urban life and cultural production. He praised European cities for efforts to preserve urban fabric where possible.
- Director: John Wilson
- Editor: Cori Wapnowska
- Producers: Clark Filio, Shirel Kozak, Allie Viti
- Premiered: Sundance (January)
- European special screening: CPH:DOX (this week)
- International sales: UTA Independent Group
