The Thousands

Documentaries are great. I could watch a documentary about a bar of soap. Seriously, how the hell do they make soap? I wanna know! And y’know who can show me? Documentarians.

I’m not trying to say that Madman’s Arthouse Films series is as boring as a bar of soap – far from it! They feature some of the most cutting edge, interesting, and awesome artists, architects, filmmakers, publishers, and more.

What I’m saying is that documentaries can make ordinary, every day subjects super interesting – because life is. And they can also show how really amazing people are still Average Joes – because they are.

Retirees Herb and Dorothy built a seminal art collection on meager salaries. Aaron Rose threw art parties with his shitbag, skate rat friends who became world-renowned Beautiful Losers. Julian Cole first modeled for, and then spent 18 years filming, With Gilbert and George. Barney Rosset published modern classic prose and poetry that was initially condemned as Obscene.

Up to number 23, the ongoing series’ latest release is more weirdo madness, with Bjork’s hubby Matthew Barney: No Restraint. Ripe for the renting or owning.