Watch At Berkeley

At Berkeley, a documentary film directed by Frederick Wiseman, examines California's higher education system through the lens of the University of California, Berkeley. The film is a sprawling portrait of a place that is both an academic institution and a microcosm of society. The movie begins with a shot of the campus clock tower, the Campanile, before moving on to show students rushing to class and going about their daily routines. From there, the film transitions to a series of faculty meetings, where professors discuss everything from budget cuts to course scheduling to the state of modern academia.

One of the defining features of the film is its observational approach. Wiseman spends hours filming various aspects of campus life, from lectures and seminars to protests and demonstrations. He doesn't interview anyone directly, but instead allows the people and events he documents to speak for themselves.

While the film covers a wide range of topics, one of its primary concerns is the cost of higher education. Various segments show administrators discussing the financial difficulties faced by the university, as well as student protests against rising tuition fees. Wiseman also spends a significant amount of time documenting classes and lectures, highlighting the intellectual rigor and diversity of Berkeley's academic offerings.

At the same time, the film also explores the social and cultural dimensions of campus life. Wiseman captures everything from dance performances and music concerts to communal meals and informal conversations between students. In doing so, he reveals the vibrant community that exists beyond the classroom walls.

Throughout the film, Wiseman maintains an objective distance from his subjects. He doesn't provide any commentary or context, but instead focuses on capturing the everyday rhythms of life at Berkeley. This approach allows viewers to form their own opinions and draw their own conclusions about the various issues raised in the film.

One of the most striking aspects of At Berkeley is its epic scale. Clocking in at just over four hours, the movie is a mammoth undertaking that offers a comprehensive look at a complex institution. However, Wiseman's careful pacing and attention to detail ensure that the film never feels overwhelming, and instead draws viewers into the world of Berkeley in a deeply immersive way.

Overall, At Berkeley is a rich and thought-provoking documentary that offers a nuanced look at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It's an ambitious film that tackles big issues and captures the essence of a place that is at once familiar and unique. Whether you're a current or former student, an academic, or simply someone interested in the state of higher education today, this movie is sure to leave an impression.

At Berkeley is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 4 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 81.