Optics of Aging: A film that is sure to age well

A film about folks over 70 discussing aging may conjure images of trying to escape your grandparents at the holidays, when they warm up to tell that story about “Back in my day..” for the one-hundredth time.

But documentarian Michelle LeBrun, whose documentary Optics of Aging premiered recently at the Providence Public Library, has managed to craft an engaging film by consolidating the topics of her interviews into quick-moving, entertaining segments.

LeBrun set out to chronicle the adventures of aging, in part because she was reaching a level where she had her own concerns about what lay ahead. She talked with a handful of prominent Providence residents who impacted our local society in meaningful ways.

The result is a very watchable hour and a quarter, with wit and humor, compassion and overall engaging storytelling. It’s not life changing, and it doesn’t take a stark advocacy stance on any of the many potentially controversial aspects of aging in America – it’s simply good storytelling that brings the viewer into the compelling lives and history of its subjects in a way that is comfortable and intimate, well worth the time. LeBrun is not present in the film, but her gentle interview technique is readily apparent and leaves room for each subject to be authentic and interesting. 

As befitting an experienced documentarian, all the parts fit nicely together, from the score to the editing, the team behind this documentary has created a very satisfying experience, and the characters they introduce will stick with you. Even though a few of the subjects have sadly passed since filming, they are delightfully memorialized on celluloid for future generations to enjoy and contemplate.