Documentarian Frederick Wiseman, known for his work on ‘High School,’ has passed away at the age of 96.

Frederick Wiseman, a highly regarded American documentarian, passed away at the age of 96, as confirmed by Zipporah Films, which has distributed his films for over five decades. Wiseman was renowned for his meticulous observational style and his ability to explore complex social institutions through the lens of documentary cinema.

His career began in academia, where he served as a law professor at the Boston University Institute of Law and Medicine before transitioning to filmmaking in the late 1960s. The release of his first film, Titicut Follies, in 1967 marked a significant moment in documentary history. The film, which explored the treatment of inmates at Bridgewater State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Massachusetts, faced considerable backlash and was banned in the state for over two decades due to its raw and unflinching portrayal of institutional life.

In 1968, Wiseman released High School, a documentary filmed at Northeast Philadelphia High School, which became another source of controversy. Captured during a politically charged time marked by the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, High School was initially deemed too incendiary to premiere locally, delaying its showing at Northeast High until 2001—32 years after its release. The film received critical acclaim, with contemporary reviews highlighting its stark depiction of American educational and social values. Critics noted that it presented schools as places dominated by conformity and authority, making a profound impact on viewers.

Wiseman’s unconventional approach to storytelling is exemplified in scenes where students face unempathetic guidance from faculty, raising questions about the educational system and its impact on youth. Despite the initial criticism from school officials, many former students later reflected on the documentary as an authentic representation of their experiences.

In 1991, High School was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, reaffirming its significance in the cultural narrative. The film’s exploration of the educational landscape continues to resonate, casting light on the complexities of adolescent life and institutional authority in America.

Wiseman received an honorary Oscar in 2016, recognizing his significant contributions to documentary filmmaking that reveal the intricacies of human behavior and illuminate both the light and darkness in society. He expressed his belief that the role of documentary is not only to expose cruelty but also to document kindness and generosity.

Frederick Wiseman leaves behind a legacy as a master chronicler of the American experience, having shaped the genre of documentary filmmaking with his nuanced and incisive vision. His works invite reflection and foster discussions about fundamental societal structures, making his contributions enduring and paramount in the world of cinema.