Minding the Gap

About Minding the Gap

Minding the Gap is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Bing Liu. The film is an intimate examination of friendship, trauma, and the transition to adulthood. It's centered around three young men - Keire Johnson, Zack Mulligan, and Bing Liu himself. As they face adult responsibilities, unexpected revelations threaten their decade-long friendship. The film deeply explores the gap between fathers and sons, between discipline and domestic abuse, and ultimately that precarious chasm between childhood and becoming an adult.

Making / Production

"Minding the Gap" was filmed over 12 years in Rockford, Illinois and marks Bing Liu's feature film directorial debut. The movie gives a combination of intimate footage, archival footage and complex observational shots, building a compelling and empathetic portrait of working-class modern America.

Actors:

• Bing Liu – The director who also plays a significant part in the movie. Involving himself in the narrative brought a new level of intimacy and engagement to the storytelling.
• Keire Johnson – A young African-American. His portrayal of a young man grappling with adulthood while dealing with a difficult past is moving and deeply personal.
• Zack Mulligan – Presented as a misfit, Zack's life choices, his struggle with alcoholism, fatherhood, and domestic abuse form a major facet of this documentary's narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts:

• The title "Minding the Gap" is a common phrase heard on the London Underground to remind passengers to be mindful of the gap between the train door and the station platform.
• Bing Liu stated that much of the film was heavily influenced by his own experiences growing up in Rockford, Illinois.

Awards

"Minding the Gap" won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018. It was also nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 91st Academy Awards.

Quotes:

• "We were all running from something.” - Bing Liu
• "I could seriously be on the verge of having a mental breakdown, but as long as I'm able to go skate, I'm completely fine." - Keire Johnson
• "This device [the camera] is my way of getting to the heart of the matter." - Bing Liu

Music, Soundtrack:

• The film's score is composed by Nathan Halpern. It beautifully complements the film's heartfelt and personal narrative.