Finding Vivian Maier

Name: Finding Vivian Maier
Genre: Documentary
Released: March 28, 2014
Duration: 83 min
Rating: 75
Cast: John Maloof, Vivian Maier

2014

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 27 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 26 Ratings

See All

8.1

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.1	Your Score
8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 26 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Finding Vivian Maier

Now Playing: Finding Vivian Maier

Movie Details & Credits

Sundance Selects | Release Date: March 28, 2014 | Not Rated

Starring: John Maloof, Vivian Maier

Summary: Who is Vivian Maier? Now considered one of the 20th century's greatest street photographers, Vivian Maier was a mysterious nanny who secretly took over 100,000 photographs that went unseen during her lifetime. Since buying her work by chance at auction, amateur historian John Maloof has crusaded to put this prolific photographer in theWho is Vivian Maier? Now considered one of the 20th century's greatest street photographers, Vivian Maier was a mysterious nanny who secretly took over 100,000 photographs that went unseen during her lifetime. Since buying her work by chance at auction, amateur historian John Maloof has crusaded to put this prolific photographer in the history books. Maier's strange and riveting life and art are revealed through never-before-seen photographs, films, and interviews with dozens who thought they knew her. [IFC Films]… Expand

Director: Charlie Siskel and John Maloof

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 83 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Buy on

Stream On

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Peter Rainer

Mar 28, 2014

Maier is a great artist who discounted adulation entirely. Her life was a masquerade; her genius, quite literally, was unexposed. Read full review

Joe Williams

Apr 24, 2014

One part personal mystery and one part art-appreciation class. Read full review

Marc Mohan

Apr 24, 2014

Hers is a sad story, but the fact that she never received recognition during her lifetime isn't part of its sadness. Read full review

Farran Smith Nehme

Mar 26, 2014

John Maloof’s documentary has an opening both apt and witty: Talking heads, one after the other, struck dumb by the mystery at hand. Read full review

Walter Addiego

Apr 10, 2014

An engaging documentary attempt to probe her mystery, and it offers some answers - she was secretive and stubborn, a hoarder of epic proportions who seems to have had fits of instability. She also wasn't always nice to her young charges. Read full review

Scott Tobias

Mar 26, 2014

The question of whether Maier, a recluse, would have ever wanted someone like Maloof to bring her into the light is troubling, and perhaps impossible to resolve, but Maloof’s passion for her work and his boundless curiosity about her history certainly make for a riveting documentary. Read full review

Keith Uhlich

Mar 26, 2014

Maier’s images are truly stunning—vivid documents of the working class that are off-the-cuff yet rigorously composed, always capturing that enigmatic bit of her subject’s soul that leaves you in spine-tingled awe. Read full review

SEE ALL 27 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

31i8lotis

Mar 23, 2016

street photography is very challenging; Maier could approach the subject, frame the shot and shoot at the correct moment to capture the art . she used old school cameras that required manual exposer and manual focusing the subject. if you are a photographer, you will love this documentary.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

VinceM

Apr 16, 2014

This is a fascinating documentary about the life and work of this recluse artist. Ms. Maier indeed suffered from mental health issues which became apparent as her life is revealed, both by her work and by the people who thought they knew her although no one really did. She was probablyThis is a fascinating documentary about the life and work of this recluse artist. Ms. Maier indeed suffered from mental health issues which became apparent as her life is revealed, both by her work and by the people who thought they knew her although no one really did. She was probably abused as a child but there was no proof despite the extensive investigation into her past, what little could be found. It's follows like a well scripted mystery how this unattached spinster came to make the briefest contact with ordinary people she photographed so profusely. She also had a cruel side which was revealed by several of the now adult children she worked with as a nanny. The interviews are candid and honest as the story unfolds. This film, which includes many of her insightful and sensitive photos which were her life work, is truly worth seeing.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

wisertime

May 14, 2014

Very enjoyable as I am a photographer myself, but honestly the story is intriguing enough and well shot that you need not be a photobug to actually enjoy it. I kinda wish it had been longer and even more in depth. It definitely left you wanting to know more...asking more questions aboutVery enjoyable as I am a photographer myself, but honestly the story is intriguing enough and well shot that you need not be a photobug to actually enjoy it. I kinda wish it had been longer and even more in depth. It definitely left you wanting to know more...asking more questions about why this woman kept her work a secret, what problems she may have had etc. I went into this with tempered expectations and enjoyed it more than anticipated. Her photos speak for themselves.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Brent_Marchant

May 23, 2014

An engaging documentary about an enigmatic recluse -- and an incredible talent -- whose works weren't discovered until after her passing. The film features a montage of beautiful images and a mystery story that's as compelling as any fictional film.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ariel84

Aug 30, 2014

vivian maier's photography is stunning. for that alone, watch the film. the stories told about her as a nanny are intriguing. her employers (there were lots-how she went from family to family, making deep impressions on each, is remarkable. as a nanny myself, i can't imagine working with sovivian maier's photography is stunning. for that alone, watch the film. the stories told about her as a nanny are intriguing. her employers (there were lots-how she went from family to family, making deep impressions on each, is remarkable. as a nanny myself, i can't imagine working with so many) all remember her very vividly. the film would've been far stronger if maloof had kept himself out of it and simply narrated. he's a serious artist and collector, but his presence makes the film seem sometimes goofy and light. neither quality describes maier's work.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

TheDRauch

Nov 2, 2014

An esoteric and informative doc, plays out like an unfolding mystery. The filmmaker's ambivalence in regards to showing Maier's very personal and purposefully shielded work makes for interesting discussion, though this topic isn't delved into as deeply or passionately as we'd like. The focusAn esoteric and informative doc, plays out like an unfolding mystery. The filmmaker's ambivalence in regards to showing Maier's very personal and purposefully shielded work makes for interesting discussion, though this topic isn't delved into as deeply or passionately as we'd like. The focus of the film is more on the life and work of Vivian Maier, who proves to be an interesting enough subject to keep our attention for an agreeably brief running time. Worth a watch, maybe once.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

SEE ALL 6 REVIEWS