Wiseman Documentary Explores Basic Training

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North Adams - Frederick Wiseman’s Basic Training (1971), his fifth film of an astounding 32, focuses his fly-on-the-wall technique squarely on a group of young army recruits’ nine weeks at basic training boot camp. The riveting and newly topical film will be screened as part of the Extreme Documentary: Alternative Verité series on Thursday, January 12, at 8 P.M. in MASS MoCA’s Club B-10. Wiseman, arguably the most important American documentary filmmaker of the past three decades, will be part of the Extreme Documentary: Alternative Verité conference on April 7 and 8, 2006, at MASS MoCA and Williams College. As civilians are converted into soldiers, Wiseman's camera reveals the creation of a unified unit of American armed forces. Sacrificing individuality for efficiency, the young recruits assimilate to army life quickly. One scene pointedly reveals this phenomenon -- the men at first awkwardly handle their bayonets, then, within hours, adeptly practice combat moves. The varieties of training techniques used by the military during boot camp are showcased in this film, including drills, night crawls, and infiltration courses. With neither voice-over narration, nor direct interviews with the soldiers, Basic Training is indicative of Wiseman’s technique for “institutional” documentaries, as seen in Titicut Follies (1967), Welfare (1975), and numerous other films. Through careful editing, Wiseman constructs a story out of raw footage to reveal the reality of various social institutions. The young soldiers’ personalities, ranging from rebellious to obedient, become apparent during the grueling process. Eschewing "leading characters," Wiseman skillfully interweaves many small stories to provide contrast and thematic complexity. A review from Variety Magazine asserts that in Basic Training “Wiseman uncovers human conditions in inhuman situations ... [and] conveys the humor and sadness of the situation. He not only imparts the essence of military basic training, he latches on to young men thrust into maturity, some before their time. It is a gripping experience." Originally released in 1971, this is a riveting and newly topical film. MASS MoCA partners with Williams College’s Oakley Center on the films presented in the Cinema Lounge this season. The season, which includes the screening of Basic Training, leads up to a major conference titled Extreme Documentary: Alternative Vérité on April 8, 2006. The conference, held at Williams and MASS MoCA, will bring together leading practitioners and critics for two days of screenings and panel discussions. Invited participants include: Werner Herzog, Frederick Wiseman, Jonathan Caouette, Mieke Bal, Faye Ginsburg, Walid Raad, Kevin MacDonald, and the Yes Men. Doors open for Basic Training at 7 PM, with food and drink from Lickety Split available before and during the screening. Club B-10 features comfortable couches and café tables as well as a full bar. Tickets for Basic Training are $6. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available in advance through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. (closed Tuesdays). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111.
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Friends of Great Barrington Libraries Holiday Book Sale

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries invite the community to shop their annual Holiday Good-as-New Book Sale, happening now through the end of the year at the Mason Library, 231 Main Street. 
 
With hundreds of curated gently used books to choose from—fiction, nonfiction, children's favorites, gift-quality selections, cookbooks, and more—it's the perfect local stop for holiday gifting.
 
This year's sale is an addition to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on this Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 PM. Visitors can swing by the Mason Library for early parking, browse the sale until 3:00 PM, then meet Pete the Cat on the front lawn before heading downtown for the Stroll's shopping, music, and festive eats.
 
Can't make the Holiday Stroll? The book sale is open during regular Mason Library hours throughout December.
 
Proceeds support free library programming and events for all ages.
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