Reviews (8)

The perfect picture of the beauty of the human psyche
This movie demonstrates the beauty of the human mind, and the fact that my (and your)reality isn't always right. Maggie, though she could probably be labeled as schizophrenic, is probably happier than the majority of individuals that are "healthy". This movie demonstrates what the mind needs to be happy. ? This movie may or may not change your life. If it does, you will forever see the world differently, and every individual as filled with the possibility of being whole.

interesting story doesnt make an interesting film
First off, let me apologize for only watching half the film before writing this review. For a while I thought...maybe it will change, maybe the end will redeem the beginning. Then I couldn't take it anymore. Maggie's story is interesting, intriguing, and portrayed in a respectful manner. The filmmaker is clearly truly interested in and affected by her and her story. But his flat voice interrupts all too frequently to give no further insight or commentary than blunty stating his growing interest. If there were more her, I think I would have been much more interested in it. As it is, I felt that the parts that showed her, rather than guiding and teaching us about her, illustrated his monotonous voice.

Why is this film so special?
You could walk by Maggie Kogan without ever knowing that she was tuned into things from which you would not be able to make any sort of immediate sense. If you talked to her, you would probably get the impression that she was crazy. If you had a few psychology courses as an undergrad, you might see strains of schizophrenia with hints of disassociation and grandeur. But if you spent enough time with her, her world might poke through your conventional conception, and start to gain meaning.

The director of this documentary found a walking embodiment of personal mythology in a homeless woman in Central Park. Through research and interviewing, he proceeds to unravel a translation of Maggie Kogan that coalesces during the passing of the film. The director's approach makes the film special. A psychoanalyst might find contextual cues that would allow him to confront Maggie on an emotional level. Unfortunately this might risk a "psychotic" break in Maggie's sense of what we commonly recognize as reality. Thankfully, the director uses a much more subtle and non-judgmental approach. As we learn more about Maggie's past, and begin to understand her signifiers, we experience a fully realized and unique individual. The directorial tone allows the viewer to go beyond labels, and truly glimpse the totality of individual perception and reality. It's a rare opportunity in American film.

If you enjoy this, I recommend another documentary about a genuine NYC shining star- "The Cruise" featuring Timothy "Speed" Levitch--- a double-decker bus tour guide.

A Beautiful Documentary
"Jupiter's Wife" is indeed a beautiful documentary. It's beautiful artistically--well designed and well filmed. It depicts some of humankind's truely beautiful representatives...who are loving, kind to each other, and filled with hope and laughter. And it brings us a wonderful, centering message about compassion, friendship, and tolerance.

Riviting and Beautiful-Fragile Grace of Life
I saw this documentary at a film festival back home which included a "question and answer" open forum with the film crew. I am still moved by this woman, her story and "this land of many hats, yes we wear them"... This documentary grasps the grace, fragility, and beauty of human existence. Just buy it. You'll buy more for friends. The documentary will "center" you more than any yoga session at the Y will ever do. ... Read more

Amazon.com

W.I.S.O.R. is an out-of-the-ordinary look at one of the stranger solutions to a New York problem. Beneath New York's streets lies a marvel of engineering, a steam system consisting of a network of 103 miles of pipes. These "lungs of steel" deliver electricity, water, gas, and steam to more than 2,000 buildings. But the century-old system is in constant need of repair, a perilous proposition for human workers who would face 300-degree temperatures. Enter W.I.S.O.R., the proposed robotic solution to fix neighborhood-incapacitating leaks. The eight-foot-long, 700-pound machine would be required to walk, stand, and contract. This documentary is more than the compelling true story of how Honeybee Robotics created this remarkable robo-welder; it is a celebration of New York "can do" and "I will deliver" ingenuity realized by a multicultural team. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more