Counting

”Counting’s” fifteen linked chapters conjoin city symphony, diary film, and personal/political essay (documentary’s unruly stepchildren) to build a vivid portrait of contemporary life. Shot in locations including Russia, Istanbul, and New York City, its subjects range from naturally occurring Moscow street theater to NSA spying to the dismantling of Brooklyn landmarks. In Cohen’s 30 year exploration of documentary as a path of open inquiry, the film is perhaps his most personal reckoning.