Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Salesman Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 19, 2020

Working to bring a special immediacy to the world of documentaries, Albert and David Maysles (along with Charlotte Zwerin) launch their new wave of “direct cinema” with 1969’s “Salesman.” Instead of swinging for the fences with a big topic to explore, looking to rattle the world with importance, the helmers decide to explore different side of capitalism with the picture, which traces the labor of four bible salesman, with the group sent out into the world to provide high-pressure techniques to poor people to purchase an expensive book they don’t need. “Salesman” is a tale of survival in many ways, and it’s a crime story in others, with the Maysles refusing to do anything but document the moments they share with the subjects, highlighting their exploits, leaving ultimate judgement of character for the viewer to decide. As an early form of Maysles craftsmanship, the feature is an incredible cinematic document, and a vivid time capsule of the hustler’s life in the 1960s, with these predators nervously toying with their prey. It’s also a wildly uncomfortable movie to watch, but that seems to be the point, as the production doesn’t sugarcoat anything about the men, who live for the sale, on an endless quest for the almighty dollar.

The year is 1967, with Paul “The Badger” Brennen, Charles “The Gipper” McDevitt, James “The Rabbit” Baker, and Raymond “The Bull” Martos working for the Mid-America Bible Company, based out of Chicago. They’re family men looking to provide for their loved ones, entering select New England and Florida communities to sell a special $49.99 bible to those who’ve innocently handed contact information to their local Catholic church. The foursome are average males reaching middle-age, and the more sales they make, the better their lives promise to be, inspiring them to embark on pressure tactics to acquire down payments, using an arsenal of rehearsed techniques to chisel through defenses and denials, with the hope for a future fortune driving them from house to house.

We first meet the men in New England during a frigid winter month, and while the cold is irritable, it doesn’t slow the salesman, as the documentary dives into their professional behavior. They enter numerous households, meeting all sorts of homemakers and spouses who make a valiant attempt to be kind to the strangers, leaving them open to the travelers, with Paul emerging as the lead character in “Salesman.” It’s certainly not easy to watch the men work over a prospective client, searching for a way to connect with the customer, with kindness and conversation soon transforming into a focused push to put a gaudy bible in the hands of those unable to pay for the prize, urging them to agree to a payment plan or a “Catholic honor plan.”

“Salesman” highlights community tours, but there’s activity inside hotel rooms, where Paul, Charles, James, and Raymond gather to trade war stories and smoke endless cigarettes, prepping for a return to the grind. The picture surveys the salesman in their raw state, feeling a little Catholic guilt and family duty, keeping them on task. We learn about rehearsed sales pitches and even visit a conference in Chicago, which resembles a prequel to “Glengarry Glen Ross,” with the subjects urged to stick to the “leads” and close all possible sales, with their boss a master of his horrible, horrible craft.

Salesman Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Working with a "New, restored 4K digital transfer," "Salesman" arrives on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation. The B&W, 16mm production delivers film-like grain, which is heavy but managed well, while detail comes through satisfactorily, examining facial surfaces and household interiors, permitting a full read of decoration, and hotel visits are just as open for exploration. Clothing is fibrous, highlighting thicker suits and hats. Locations are dimensional, making for interesting neighborhood tours. Delineation preserves frame information, and whites are clean and crisp. Source is in excellent shape.

Salesman Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 LPCM sound mix doesn't reach very far, but footage with the men in action comes through with comfortable clarity, examining all types of accents and conversations without disruption. Atmospherics are present as well, with the action heading into punishing winter weather and large gatherings, keeping group activity understood.

Salesman Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (12 pages) features an essay by Michael Chaiken and notes on the transfer.

• Commentary features co-directors Albert Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin.

• Interview (31:20, SD) is a 1968 television conversation with Albert and David Maysles, who join host Jack Kroll for a spirited exploration of "Salesman." Kroll kicks things off by trying to nail down the exact meaning of "direct cinema," allowing the Maysles to explain their directorial philosophy, and they also describe the story to the best of their abilities. Biographical touches from the helmers are identified, as bits and pieces of the Maysles are present in the documentary, and Kroll works to prompt the partners to deconstruct scenes, hoping to understand the filmmaking method. Personal perspectives on "Salesman" are shared, along with ideas on audience interpretation and creative intent, with everyone aware of a possible "depression" while watching the feature. Debates on morality and the presence of the Maysles during the shoot liven up the talk, with the directors assessing their presence during the making of the effort, which invites manipulation.

• "Globesman" (24:52, HD) is a 2016 episode of "Documentary Now," where stars Bill Hader and Fred Armisen send-up "Salesman," with the hustlers offering globes to small town marks, not bibles.

• Interview (9:27, HD) with Bill Hader offers the origin story for "Documentary Now," with the actor/director identifying himself has the curator of the parodies, giving love to sometimes obscure films. Hader shares the effort to hit the right tone for the show, including a brainstorm session to use globes for the "Globesman" episode, also spotlighting technical achievements of the production, which goes out of its way to replicate the visuals of the source material. The interviewee delivers a thoughtful Maysles appreciation, marveling over their creative choices, and Hader discusses the power of intimacy, which makes their documentaries so special.

• "Weekend Edition" (11:30) is an audio-only clip of the NPR program, with the 2000 episode deliver a profile of James "The Rabbit" Baker," who, at this point, is retired from salesman work. Baker shares how he originally acquired the book-selling position with the Mid-America Bible Company, also going into the ways of his techniques, battling customers over details, always aiming to perfect the sale. Baker's son, Jimmy, joins the conversation, sharing his memories of the "Salesman" time period. Baker returns to reveal his post-movie life.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:16, HD) is included.

Salesman Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Maysles reach a very stressful place with "Salesman" (the Blu-ray package should come with a towel and soap, for a post-screening shower) as the documentary depicts a life where dishonesty is considered endurance, watching as these trained men devour customers, urging them to spend money they either don't have or want to keep. It's ugly but fascinating, with the film capturing unfiltered behavior and a borderline criminal situation. The Maysles don't demand sympathy for these men, with a few of them crossing major moral boundaries during their mission. The directors simply want to know how these salesmen endure, capturing their inner drive and concentration on a plush life that will never be within their grasp.