University of Virginia Library

'Essene' Televised Tonight

"Essene," a new film by
Boston-based
documentarian Frederick
Wiseman, will be shown
tonight at 8 on channel 26.

Shot in a Benedictine
monastery, "Essene" is one
of a series of films by Mr.
Wiseman on American
institutions. His other works
include "Titicut Follies," on
a mental institution in
Massachusetts; "High
School," shot in
Philadelphia; and
"Hospital," shot in New
York City.

All of his films utilize
the conventions of
cinema-verite, using
portable equipment and
two-or three-man crews in
an attempt to capture
spontaneity, and all are in
an episodic form. However,
while a tone of irony and
implied criticism unify the
best of his films, "Essene"
differs in that it responds
sympathetically to the
situation of the monks.

The film will also be
shown November 18 at 2 and
10p.m. on the same
channel.