by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How do you get a documentary made? Every film is an expensive venture, to some degree. Documentaries are tough because they don’t generally have big name stars and expensive special effects to create the kind of buzz to capture the collective attention of mainstream audiences. You can have the most compelling story or topic to discuss, but without the backend, it might never arrive to the open ears and eyes of the public. Sometimes you need some extra passion (and clout) from someone with sway to get things up off the ground. Welcome to the story of The Automat and Mel Brooks.
First off, what is The Automat? This iconic mainstay of New York City and Philadelphia was never on my own radar as the last restaurant closed months before I was born. With a family from Philly, I would have expected to hear something about it. But this tells the story of the automated restaurant that used nickels and little doors to distribute plenty of delicious foods to New Yorkers and Philadelphians for decades. The rise and fall of this people-first establishment plays out in a convention and expected way in Lisa Hurwitz’s new documentary. They were the place for the people until a crumbling atmosphere, inflation, and competition sunk it. Generally, this film would honestly feel at home on A&E some Sunday night as it is (mostly) a by-the-numbers film.
So what got me into a theater to watch a 79-minute documentary about a restaurant that I never heard of? Mel Brooks. He is one of the major commentators on the film. But he is not the only one, with Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Colin Powell, and Carl Reiner joining too. But Brooks presents an endearing (and always hilarious) perspective, which is passionate and personal. Hurwitz utilizes some impressive editing to deliver some great laughs as well with intercutting Brooks and Reiner together. Hurwitz also leaves in enough commentary to give a tongue-in-cheek meta-approach as Brooks discusses leveraging his fame to sell her film. The cherry on top of Brooks’ favorite pie from The Automat is his new song that is a delight to listen to over the credits.
But what stands out the most about this generally straight and narrow documentary? In all honesty, it was what it made me think of and hope for. The film compares Starbucks to the legacy of The Automat. I am not sure I buy it when they charge obscene prices. The film made me long for such a people-centric and homey feeling restaurant. It made me long for the spirit of the city and a way of life. That kind of charm is priceless and poignant. You can write this off as your standard documentary, but what The Automat opens you up to is something truly special.
Score: 6/10
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