Single: a documentary film - Review

Jane Scandurra giving direction at bar in NYC

"It wasn’t until we shot some of the people that we realized we should take the film in a different direction.”

Single delves into a plethora of issues about being single in America, from the role of the burgeoning independence of women to the social stigma of men, all backed up by the candid testimonies of single 30 somethings and knowledgeable sociologists. Although the film touches on many topics, the discussions always seem to flow together naturally. The editing facilitates the seamless narration from professional opinions to the anecdotes of bar patrons.

Richard Atkinson directing interview at bar in NYC

Single does a great job of presenting a non-critical reflection of the uncoupled in America. This was an important factor to the filmmakers. "It was important for us not to be judgmental,” said Atkinson of the film. “We were trying to portray it [being single] with a snap shot of time…which is pretty unusual for a documentary.”

Bar Crowd from Single

Ultimately I took two great life lessons from the film: one being that I am too young to worry about having a significant other; the other that even if in the next twenty years I find myself without a husband and children, (just writing that makes me want to chastise myself for thinking so far in the future), if I am content, that is all that matters.