Jay Myself

Released Jul 31, 2019

1h 19m

Documentary

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Jay Myself: Trailer 1

2:30

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89%

Tomatometer

18 Reviews

88%

Audience Score

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Filmmaker Stephen Wilkes crafts a portrait of his mentor, noted artist and photographer Jay Maisel.

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Leah Pickett

Chicago Reader

In the end, the viewer might find herself both feeling the loss at the center of Maisel and Wilkes's letting-go process and craving a similar grotto of her own.

Sep 22, 2019

Full Review

Nick Allen

RogerEbert.com

Whether this is all for the sake of art or not, it can be too nauseating to peer into from the outside.

Rated: 2/4

Jul 31, 2019

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Variety

Wilke views his old mentor with affection, but with a supreme awareness of what a crazy-charismatic crank he can be.

Jul 31, 2019

Full Review

Carla Hay

Culture Mix

The movie doesn't explore the deep psychological issues that led to [Jay] Maisel's hoarding.

Jul 11, 2020

Full Review

Steven Prokopy

Third Coast Review

Maisel is a lovable curmudgeon, and I feel fortunate to have discovered him through this film.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 6, 2019

Full Review

Alex Saveliev

Film Threat

An ode to the artist and his city, Jay Myself may just make you stop and recognize beauty in a random light pattern, or in the way dust blankets an old photo.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 26, 2019

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Audience Member

Somewhere between the destruction of an institution and a hoarders episode.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I enjoyed this film—a little slice of NYC

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Filmy Girl

We loved this movie. It was an incredible snapshot into the life of an incredibly talented and eccentric man. His photography will stay with you long after the documentary ends.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/19

Full Review

Audience Member

Really the film was real estate porn for NYers. Jay Maisel comes across fine, but this is truly a gloss with no depth--not enough delving into his photography, his place in photography, the NY art scene, NY itself, the art world/market, commercial photography, Maisel's psyche (Meisel's hoarding) or family life....a lot, but not much there. But if you walked by this building and wondered about it as I have for years, you'll enjoy.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film touched me in so many ways! It's playful, heartfelt, and extremely intriguing! The story was absolutely beautiful and showcases Jay's amazing eye and imagination. It also reminds you of a time that once was and how much New York City has changed. I left feeling so inspired and blow away... what a life!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This beautiful documentary treats the viewer to an intimate look inside the world of one of the greatest photographers, Jay Maisel. The story is told by his protege, Stephen Wilkes, another amazing photographer. I found the relationship between the two of them so fun and witty. Jay's home, the bank, is like another character in the film, truly a wonder. Quick paced with upfront honesty, highly recommend it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Stephen Wilkes

Director

Jay Maisel

Self

Josh Alexander

Screenwriter

Bette Wilkes

Producer

Henry Jacobson

Producer

Emma Tammi

Producer

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Jay Myself: Trailer 1

2:30

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Stephen Wilkes crafts a portrait of his mentor, noted artist and photographer Jay Maisel.

Director: Stephen Wilkes
Producer: Bette Wilkes
Screenwriter: Josh Alexander
Distributor: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co: Mind Hive Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 31, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 17, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $146.5K
Runtime: 1h 19m

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