Deep Dive: The Cruise (1998)
Film Lens
The Cruise is a 1998 documentary directed by Bennett Miller that follows Timothy 'Speed' Levitch, a bus tour guide in New York City. Levitch is known for his fast-paced, unconventional narrative style, which offers a unique perspective on the city. The film captures his worldview and personality as he shares his thoughts on New York while navigating its streets.
The production took three and a half years, with Miller operating as a one-man crew. The film was shot in grainy black-and-white, which some critics noted gives it a timeless quality. Levitch chose not to participate in most of the editing, adhering to his belief in embracing chaos. The film features a blend of Levitch's commentary and visuals of the city, focusing more on his character than traditional sightseeing.
Why Watch
- •Meet Timothy 'Speed' Levitch, a unique NYC tour guide.
- •See New York City through Levitch's unconventional lens.
- •Find out why the film won awards at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Did You Know
•The film was in production for three and a half years.
•Bennett Miller discarded the first 80 hours of footage before starting over.
•The Cruise premiered at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival in 1998.
•It was released nationwide on November 6, 1998, after being picked up by Artisan Entertainment.
Perfect For
Documentary enthusiastsFans of New York CityCharacter studies