Obit

Obit is an engrossing 2016 documentary that aptly honors and showcases the world of those who transform lives into captivating obituaries at The New York Times. Directed by Vanessa Gould, the film examines the meticulous and intensely captivating processes of some of the most talented obituary writers. With an incredibly engaging cast that includes Bruce Weber, William McDonald, and Margalit Fox, Obit powerfully represents an entirely different genre of journalism that’s fully worth our intrigue and praise.

The film introduces us to the specialized team of obituary writers at The New York Times, skilled in the art of examining the lives of the recently deceased and elucidating their lives to the broader public. Their work is even more significant considering that the primary people captured in their writings are more often than not iconic figures whose impacts on society cannot be ignored.

In Obit, director Vanessa Gould personifies obituaries as rich pieces of biography composed under intense deadline nuances. It tells us how crafting these informative and moving pieces involves not just writing skills, but also quick learning, research, and a knack for presenting the essence of the departed in a sense that it leaves an impact.

Bruce Weber, William McDonald, and Margalit Fox, some of the notable writers on the obituary desk, exhibit a characteristic spirit that one needs to embed oneself in the art of obituary writing. They share their experiences, their tricks of the trade, the challenges they face, and their personal growth in this unique role.

Through Weber, the audience learns about the seemingly mundane but critical task of verifying facts about the deceased. Fox's keen eye for detail and ability to decipher even the most latent dimensions of a subject's life provides a peek into the key traits of an obit writer. McDonald illustrates the journalistic ability to unearth and narrate fascinating storylines of the people whose lives are summarized in their obituaries.

The film distinguishes itself by connecting with the audience on a personal level. Gould explores the extraordinary in ordinary lives, focusing not just on the famous characters whose deaths make headlines, but also on the less-renowned individuals who have contributed significantly to society. This layer helps Obit transcend the realm of just another documentary film into a touching reflection on life, death, and legacy.

The movie also emphasizes the pressures of obituary writing, such as operating under time constraints and balancing sensitivity with factual accuracy. It is an insight into the legacy left behind by individuals and the responsibility bestowed on the writers to document their journeys authentically.

The narrative style of Obit is distinctive. Rather than simply memorializing the extraordinary lives, Gould takes the audience behind the scenes to highlight the work's psychological and emotional aspects. Viewers get to see the obit writers' lives and workspaces, giving a rather intimate feel to the whole experience.

Visually, Obit is arresting, with a crisp, clean aesthetic that suits the subject matter. It's filled with clips from old movies, photographs, and video footage, which reinstate the magnificent task of capturing a life in a story, while also providing a pleasing visual narrative. The soundtrack underscores the film's emotional elements and complements the overall premise of the documentary perfectly.

It's not just a film about life and death; Obit is fundamentally about storytelling—the art of transforming ordinary facts into narratives that captivate the mind and touch the heart. Overall, Obit is an emotional, engaging, and enlightening film that celebrates both the lives it depicts and the gifted individuals who pay tribute to them. It's a must-see for anyone intrigued by journalism, writing, life stories, and reflection upon our own mortality. Its subtle blend of humor, philosophy, and erudition makes Obit a masterclass in the portrayal of one of journalism’s immersive yet often underappreciated profession.