For most, regardless of the mode of transportation, long-distance journeys involve staring out of windows at vast stretches of scenery. Landscapes, terrains, foliage and colours change over the course of hours and days — and often, so does the observant traveller. Literally watching the world go by may seem a passive activity; however, such a patient endeavour provides room for deliberation, both evokes and creates memories, and is characterised by recurrent movement not only of the vessel in question, but in the minds of its passengers. It’s hardly surprising that writers scribble tomes, directors make films and artists frequently find inspiration during and from such journeys.
Indeed, the hearty, lengthy trek has become one of humanity’s most romanticised experiences and recurrent narratives.
For veteran factual filmmaker Albert Maysles (Iris) and his fellow In Transit co-helmers — Summer Pasture‘s Lynn True and Nelson Walker III, and first-timers David Usui, and Benjamin Wu — boarding America’s busiest long-distance train route provides the perfect chance to document these two aspects of extensive voyages: looking beyond and gazing within. Taking the Empire Builder’s three-day trip through the northern states spanning the country’s east to the west coasts, their film offers an account of external vantages and internal contemplation, while also painting a portrait of the nation it traverses. Just as all manner of adventurers project their reflections onto the sights outside of the train, their shared thoughts and feelings intertwine to craft a distinctive image of their collective existence.
Accordingly, unnamed people confess snippets of their stories, with the aptly named In Transit never lingering with anyone for too long. As the locomotive inches from Chicago to Seattle, some speak of new beginnings, and others relate sad tales of past troubles. One sings while playing a ukulele. Another snaps photos. A mother and daughter snuggle up to each other as they express their worries about being apart, and a single parent explains that she’s the black sheep of her family but hopes to nurture and encourage her own children. One man relates his joy at moving towards what makes him happy; another talks about needing to travel to live more than an ordinary life. Train staff provide historical details about the route — when they’re not stressing about a three-day-overdue pregnant woman on board, that is.
Though the documentary runs for a brief 76 minutes, the list of interviewees and their varied circumstances only continues, depicting an array of age groups, life stages, backgrounds, and outlooks. And yet, the more folks that Maysles and his cohort thrust from their comfortable carriages and onto the screen, the more commonalities arise, as the group of filmmakers has clearly planned. Their empathetic and insightful feature surveys the macro and the micro, as well as the trends and textures evident in each view. Intercutting every conversation not just with others, but also with surrounding vistas that range from urban to desolate, snowy to dusty, and sun-dappled to twilight-lit, only makes each perspective more apparent.
An intimate yet expansive ethnographic exercise is the end result, and one that’s as interesting and immersive in execution as it is in concept. While True actually edits together footage shot by Maysles, Usui, Walker, and Wu on several journeys in both directions, the amalgam of numerous trips feels appropriate; if In Transit can be called any one thing, it’s a melange. It’s also a fitting farewell piece for the elder director, ranking as the final helming credit on his 50-listing resume. Within the confines of the Empire Builder and its constant cross-country travels, and while peering afar and pondering within, he does what he always has: offers a slice of life equally unique to his subject and astutely universal.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
In Transit
Directors: Albert Maysles, Lynn True, David Usui, Nelson Walker III and Benjamin Wu
USA, 2015, 76 mins
Rating: 15+
Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now
Sydney: 17 May – June 1
Melbourne: 18 May – June 1
Brisbane: 19 May – June 1
Canberra: 19 May – June 1
Adelaide: 26 May – June 8​
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