Marshall Curry’s The New Yorker at 100 is a gleaming cinematic tribute that captures the essence of one of America’s most iconic magazines. Narrated with quiet authority by Julianne Moore, the film’s structure feels like an expertly curated timeline—each era of The New Yorker unfolds with deliberate pacing, guiding viewers from its 1925 founding through its 100th-anniversary issue. This chronological approach not only maps the magazine’s evolution, but it also contextualizes its cultural significance in an era of shifting journalistic values.
Critics like Owen Gleiberman praised the documentary for offering “a backstage tour of how the supremely refined sausage gets made,” an apt metaphor for the detailed, behind-the-scenes exploration Curry delivers. The film doesn’t shy away from revealing the inner workings of editorial meetings, the ironclad fact-checking process, and the often-overlooked labor behind each weekly issue. These insights elevate the documentary from a celebratory piece to a loving portrait of craftsmanship—the kind that resonates with both longtime readers and newcomers alike.
The timeline structure truly shines when highlighting key turning points—from Harold Ross’s founding vision for Manhattan sophisticates to Tina Brown’s era, bringing stardom and skepticism in equal measure. These chapters unfold with polished visuals, historic footage, and a smart selection of emblematic covers—like Saul Steinberg’s iconic “View of the World from 9th Avenue”—that underscore The New Yorker’s cultural imprint. While some critics felt the film was “star-studded but superficial,” the timeline itself remains compelling and informative.
The film’s critical balance lies in its devotion to celebration paired with subtle inquiry. While Variety’s Gleiberman found it “infectious and nimble,” others noted that the film could have been deeper or longer—perhaps even stretching into a multi-part series—to fully examine omissions or tensions beneath the magazine’s highbrow veneer. Yet Curry’s editorial choice to focus on the luminaries and archival elements makes for a tightly cohesive narrative—one that respects The New Yorker’s tone and legacy.
In sum, The New Yorker at 100 is a beautifully shot and well-paced documentary that stands out for its lucid timeline and respectful depth. It’s a rich journey through a century of storytelling, staffed by editors, cartoonists, and fact-checkers whose passion propels each issue. If you’ve ever wondered how a venerable institution adapts to changing cultural and editorial climates, this film offers both an overview and a celebratory look inside. Five stars for a polished, insightful, and lovingly annotated centennial portrait.
David Given Schwarm 