John Wilson's 'The History of Concrete' Offers a Charming Detour Through the Unexpected

Filmmaker John Wilson, known for his HBO series How To With John Wilson, returns with a feature-length documentary, The History of Concrete. The film, much like his previous work, is less about its ostensible subject and more about the tangential and often surprising journeys that emerge from a simple premise.

Wilson's previous series explored the lives of ordinary New Yorkers and his own discursive thought process. Episodes featured quests ranging from learning to cook risotto for his landlady to finding solutions for protecting furniture from his cat, which unexpectedly led to encounters with an anti-circumcision activist and an inventor of a foreskin restoration device. These explorations exemplified Wilson's approach, where "one thing leads to another" takes on a profound meaning.

The History of Concrete extends this philosophy to a longer format. Wilson begins by detailing his post-show ennui and his search for inspiration and work, recounting unappealing offers and his self-professed lack of direction. He contrasts his inclination towards the "road less traveled" with mundane street signs, and even takes a workshop on writing Hallmark romance scripts. A casual observation during home repairs—the ubiquity of concrete—sparks the idea for his new documentary.

Despite initial skepticism from potential supporters, Wilson secures funding for the project. He then delves into the material's basics, clarifying the distinction between cement and concrete. His travels take him to Rome, where he examines ancient concrete structures and visits a wax museum. At a concrete convention, he notes the requirement to sign an agreement not to portray concrete negatively. The film also includes a segment on a company that preserves tattoos, extending to the conservation of the skin beneath, a narrative that, while seemingly disconnected, showcases Wilson's talent for drawing viewers into astonishing, even appalling, subjects.

Wilson's strength lies in his ability to engage with subjects without condescension, employing a gentle, amused mockery. The film's most compelling segments feature encounters with individuals in his immediate vicinity. He highlights a man running GumBusters in Brooklyn, who uses a device to remove gum stains from sidewalks. A particularly moving storyline follows Wilson's developing friendship with Jack, a Long Island bar musician, who seeks Wilson's company after the sudden death of his fiancée.

Jack, a seasoned rock musician who also works in a liquor store, is devastated by the loss. Wilson investigates and discovers Jack's partner was a respected judge, New York City's first Asian American judge. He finds an old photograph of the couple, reflecting on the deep connection they shared despite their apparent differences, suggesting that enduring relationships, like concrete, are built on a solid foundation.

Ultimately, The History of Concrete may answer questions about the ubiquitous material, but its true purpose is to illuminate Wilson's unique, associative way of thinking. While his rambling narration and distinctive voice might occasionally test viewer patience, Wilson serves as an affable guide through obscure yet fascinating offline worlds. The film possesses a casual, ambling charm, suggesting that the act of spending time and killing time might, in fact, be one and the same.