Watch Jay Myself

Jay Myself is a documentary film released in 2018, directed by Stephen Wilkes. The movie is a fascinating portrayal of the life of celebrated photographer Jay Maisel, who lived in a 35,000 square foot former bank building at 190 Bowery in Manhattan for over fifty years, until he was forced to leave. The film offers a window into the life of the legendary photographer as he prepares to move out of his home and studio, which he had used for over 40 years. The house, legendary among New York photographers, was the largest privately owned property in Manhattan.

Jay Maisel, who is 87, is one of the most respected and revered photographers in the world, and his home on 190 Bowery has a rich history, having been a bank, a men's homeless shelter, and an artist enclave. The film delicately balances this history with a heartfelt portrayal of Jay's emotional attachment to the place.

Filled with rich, deeply emotional tones, the film takes us through the halls, rooms, and corridors of the house, which is filled with decades of photographs, artwork, and personal belongings. We also gain an insight into the life of the photographer as he reflects on his long, illustrious career.

The film covers Jay's beginnings as a photographer, his early life growing up in Brooklyn, and his early days as a young photographer working for magazines like Vogue and Sports Illustrated, where he carved out a reputation as one of the best in the business.

The documentary, while providing a fascinating insight into Jay's life and work, also draws attention to the fast-changing nature of New York City, where gentrification and rising property values have led to the displacement of many artists and creative types from their homes.

The film also highlights the importance of the home for the artist, who sees it as an extension of his work, and as a testament to the creative process. Jay Maisel's house, in particular, serves as a living legacy of his work, as well as his growth as an artist.

The cinematic experience of Jay Myself is enriched by the impeccable production of editors Jeffrey Kline and Betsy Kagen, who seamlessly blend archive material of Maisel's work with touching interviews from friends and family. The documentary is shot by Wilkes, who uses the camera and the city to create a sharp portrait of both Jay and Manhattan.

Jay Myself is a celebration of New York's artistic spirit and a commemoration of Jay Maisel's career, which has spanned over six decades, and helped establish him as one of the most significant photographers of his time.

In conclusion, Jay Myself is a beautiful, emotional, and thought-provoking documentary that explores the creative process, the connection between an artist and his work, and the ever-changing landscape of New York City. It is a must-watch for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the arts or the cultural history of the city.

Jay Myself is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 74.