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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Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
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