Movies by Harold Crooks

Harold Crooks is a pioneering Canadian-American filmmaker whose documentaries offer a penetrating, unflinching examination of the social and environmental impact of modern capitalism. With an investigative journalist's eye for detail and a humanist's commitment to exposing injustice, Crooks crafts films that are both meticulously researched and emotionally resonant. Crooks first made his mark with thought-provoking works like Surviving Progress, which traced the unintended consequences of technological advancement, and The Price We Pay, a searing indictment of corporate tax avoidance. But it is his most recent documentary, The Melt Goes on Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons, that truly showcases Crooks' distinctive approach. Co-directed with art writer Judd Tully, the film is a rich, multifaceted portrait of the elusive and enigmatic artist Hammons, using his singular creative vision as a lens to explore wider issues of race, power, and the commodification of art. Throughout his career, Crooks has demonstrated a remarkable ability to distill complex economic and political ideas into compelling, accessible narratives. His films are not mere fact-finding missions, but artful cinematic essays that challenge audiences to reckon with the moral quandaries of our time. With his uncompromising yet empathetic style, Crooks stands out as a vital voice in contemporary documentary filmmaking, using the power of cinema to shine a light on the hidden costs of progress.