Bill Cunningham, New York

If you like clothes, or you like New York, or you like people, especially passionate artists of real integrity, I urge you to see this film: Bill Cunningham New York (2010).

At 80, Bill has spent most of his adult life living in a small studio apartment in Carnegie Hall (no kitchen, shared bathroom), and spending his days cycling around the streets of Manhattan, photographing people - mainly women - in stylish outfits. For him it's not about being a cookie-cutter fashionista; what intrigues him are those people who are creative with how they dress themselves. He's certainly in the right city for it. A former hat-maker, and now a fashion and special event photographer for the New York Times, he is a joyful, gently eccentric character who eschews money, "in and out" lists (and other forms of cruelty) and standing out in a crowd; in fact his own outfit of choice is usually topped by a $20 blue jacket, the same issue as is worn by the street cleaners of Paris (he picks up fresh supplies during Fashion Week).

How he has maintained his gentle manner, single-minded passion, and his life (dodging the traffic on his bike, no helmut) is a marvel in that great city.

I caught this film the last day of its run at the Carlton Cinema in Toronto. Hoping it comes to you soon; otherwise pick it up on DVD.

Click on the poster below to see a larger version, borrowed from the official Zeitgeist films website.