Ex Libris: The New York Public Library
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library (2017) is a documentary, directed by Frederick Wiseman. It stars Richard Dawkins and Elvis Costello. The 205-minute film holds an audience score of 6.4/10.
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What Ex Libris: The New York Public Library Is About
Shot in Frederick Wiseman's signature observational style, with no narration and no direct interviews, this roughly three hour documentary moves between the New York Public Library's famous lion flanked main branch and its neighborhood locations across the boroughs. Scenes range from children programming robots in a workshop to a public talk with musician Elvis Costello and a Richard Dawkins lecture on science and democracy, all cut against internal meetings where administrators debate budgets and the city's digital divide. The film screened in main competition at the 74th Venice Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI prize. Critics were largely admiring, with Time Out giving it five out of five stars and calling it "a gloriously nerdy act of municipal pride," though some reviewers found it sprawling and more of a slog than a draw. Who it's for: Anyone drawn to Wiseman's patient, observational style and curious about how a public institution actually runs. Who it's not for: Not for viewers wanting something short and focused, since its nearly three hour runtime and loose structure can wear some down.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ex Libris: The New York Public Library about?
Shot in Frederick Wiseman's signature observational style, with no narration and no direct interviews, this roughly three hour documentary moves between the New York Public Library's famous lion flanked main branch and its neighborhood locations across the boroughs. Scenes range from children programming robots in a workshop to a public talk with musician Elvis Costello and a Richard Dawkins lecture on science and democracy, all cut against internal meetings where administrators debate budgets and the city's digital divide.
Where can I watch Ex Libris: The New York Public Library?
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library isn't currently listed on major digital platforms. Availability can change over time. Check the "Where to Watch" section for the latest.
How long is Ex Libris: The New York Public Library?
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library runs for 205 minutes (3h 25m).
When did Ex Libris: The New York Public Library come out?
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library was released in 2017.
Who directed Ex Libris: The New York Public Library?
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library was directed by Frederick Wiseman.
Who stars in Ex Libris: The New York Public Library?
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library stars Richard Dawkins, Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Ta-Nehisi Coates.
What is Ex Libris: The New York Public Library's rating?
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library holds 7.4/10 on IMDb and 6.4/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 73 out of 100.
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