Ron Mann’s documentary, Carmine Street Guitars, has struck a chord with critics and audiences alike, resonating as a heartfelt tribute to a disappearing New York City and the enduring power of handcrafted artistry. More than just a film about guitars, it’s a warm and intimate portrait of a unique Greenwich Village institution and the passionate individuals who keep its spirit alive. Through the lens of Rick Kelly’s Carmine Street Guitars workshop, the film explores themes of community, creativity, and the defiant preservation of tradition in the face of relentless modernization.
The documentary’s charm lies in its unhurried pace, allowing viewers to soak in the atmosphere of the cramped, sawdust-filled workshop. As The Gate aptly describes it, Carmine Street Guitars is “akin to a meditative experience,” inviting audiences to appreciate the dedication poured into each instrument and the stories embedded within the very fabric of the shop. This isn’t just a place where guitars are made; it’s a sanctuary where music history and the soul of old New York converge.
Rick Kelly, the heart and hands behind Carmine Street Guitars, is portrayed as more than just a luthier; he’s a custodian of history. He handcrafts his instruments using reclaimed wood salvaged from historic New York buildings, giving each guitar a unique resonance that goes beyond mere sound. As Georgia Straight notes, “The buildings of old New York resonate in Carmine Street Guitars,” highlighting the tangible connection between the instruments and the city’s rich past. This practice elevates guitar making to an almost alchemical process, transforming “the bones from old New York,” as CBC Radio Q puts it, into objects of musical beauty. The film beautifully captures the “love, care, and devotion” that goes into this manual task, a sentiment echoed by Book and Film Globe.
Carmine Street Guitars isn’t solely focused on the craft; it’s deeply intertwined with the vibrant music scene and the community it fosters. The documentary features appearances by notable musicians who frequent the shop, showcasing the organic process of artists interacting with Kelly’s creations. Beatroute observes that the film captures “artists…trying new instruments,” leading to “musical game even more authentic, as it happens on the spot.” This spontaneous musicality permeates the film, creating its own “wonderful soundtrack,” as National Post points out, making it a treat for music fans. Screen Anarchy even declares it “one of my all time favorite documentaries,” emphasizing the film’s captivating portrayal of passionate people and their shared love for music and craftsmanship.
The critical acclaim for Carmine Street Guitars is widespread and enthusiastic. Rolling Stone hails it as “an absolutely essential documentary about the importance of community,” while Variety praises its “quiet intoxication.” The film’s “warm and affectionate” nature, as described by NY Times, has resonated with many, with Slant Magazine calling it “a Beautiful Portrait of an Everyday Paradise.” Reviewers consistently use words like “delightful,” “charming,” and “heartfelt” to characterize the documentary’s tone and impact. It’s a film that celebrates not only the artistry of guitar making but also the spirit of a vanishing bohemian New York, resisting corporate gentrification. As Austin Chronicle aptly summarizes, it’s “an affectionate, somewhat elegiac glimpse into a master and a craft that, like so much of the surrounding neighborhood, is steadily being corporately gentrified.”
In conclusion, Carmine Street Guitars is more than just a music documentary; it’s a poignant and uplifting film that celebrates human creativity, community, and the enduring magic of handmade objects. Ron Mann has crafted a “love letter” – as Rolling Stone describes it – not just to guitars, but to New York City itself, to the musicians who call it home, and to the importance of preserving authentic spaces in an increasingly homogenized world. For anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, music, or the soul of a city, Carmine Street Guitars is an essential and deeply rewarding viewing experience.
