The documentary “The History of Concrete” promises to be far more captivating than merely observing cement as it dries.
Directed by John Wilson, this feature marks his debut in filmmaking. The film premieres this weekend at Alamo Drafthouse Denton and Look Cinemas Bedford, among other venues in Dallas County. For those unfamiliar with Wilson’s HBO series “How to With John Wilson,” this documentary delivers a level of entertainment that surpasses that of the star-studded fictional films reviewed earlier this week.
The narrative begins in Wilson’s New York City apartment building, where he resides on the upper floor while renting out the lower units. His tenants’ complaints about flooding during the rainy seasons and the visible cracks in the concrete spurred him to create this film. During a Zoom meeting with financial backers, their lack of enthusiasm upon hearing the project title speaks volumes about their expectations.
Wilson records his voiceover, complete with natural pauses and fillers, which somehow feels less irritating than one might expect. He amusingly refers to himself in the second person, recounting experiences like attending the Emmy Awards and the poignant moment of losing while locking eyes with actress Lucy Liu. He expands his originally modest budget by traveling to Italy to explore the enduring concrete structures built by the ancient Romans, many of which have stood the test of time for over two millennia.
The documentary takes a whimsical approach as Wilson attends a workshop on creating Hallmark Christmas movies, pondering how to incorporate those lessons into his current project. He later interviews a man who specializes in removing gum from sidewalks and also dabbles in winemaking, for reasons that remain a mystery. His journey continues to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he drives on the oldest concrete street in the United States. There, a conversation with a concrete salesman reveals that this young man is also an aspiring actor, leading Wilson to observe him in a short film role.
At McGill University, geography professor Mette Bendixen reveals that Chinese developers consumed more concrete between 2011 and 2014 than the entire United States did throughout the 20th century.
While the film may seem disjointed at times, the threads begin to weave together as Wilson interviews his friend Jack Macco, the lead guitarist of a cover band named Nebulus. Macco’s eccentricity includes distributing free mezcal samples at a local liquor store. Despite their friendship, Wilson is unaware that Jack has a 78-year-old fiancée, who unexpectedly passes away in early 2025. It turns out she held an impressive resume as a former New York Supreme Court justice and assistant dean at Harvard Law School.
Wilson’s reflections on concrete evolve into a meditation on the transience of all things. Despite the impressive durability of ancient Roman constructions, most concrete starts to deteriorate after approximately 40 years. This reality has prompted New York City to urgently replace its sidewalks and bridges to avoid potential disasters, a situation mirrored by the crumbling street in Bellefontaine. The Chilean documentarian Patricio Guzmán, who recently passed away, shared Wilson’s talent for discovering expansive truths in seemingly mundane subjects, akin to an astronomer peering through a telescope or examining a mother-of-pearl button. While Wilson may not have Guzmán’s meticulous craftsmanship, he certainly brings a unique sense of humor to his work. Now is an opportune moment to celebrate the achievements of both filmmakers.
The History of Concrete
Starring and directed by John Wilson. Not rated.
