One of the most storied buildings in New York, a New York City landmark, and a historic home to countless authors, artists, and creatives of all fields: the Chelsea Hotel. The stories and events that occurred here are incredibly well-documented, although one can imagine the unknown tales are far beyond our imaginations. With Dreaming Walls: Inside The Chelsea Hotel, directors Amélie van Elmbt and Maya Duverdier uncover even more stories. These stories are not those of Janis Joplin, Stanley Kubrick, Madonna, etc. Instead, van Elmbt and Duverdier turn to the long-time residents who still call the hotel home, even after nearly a decade of construction. As the famed building has been under renovation while it is being turned into a luxury hotel, those who remain holdouts of a time long passed highlight the importance of what the building stands for. They signify a change in ideals among New York acting as a haven for those that were put on this planet to create. As they face a force that serves no purpose other than to erase their existence, this film shines a light on their resiliency, and how the willingness to create art can withstand many forces.
Singer-songwriter Patti Smith said the Chelsea was the first place she went when visiting New York. It was described as “a stand-alone example of bohemianism” by one of the long-term residents in the documentary. It needs no introduction, yet Dreaming Walls does more than a fine job at truly indicating just how larger than life this building was in its prime. It is a physical remnant of another time in New York. One where its famed history and esteemed guests are projected onto the walls throughout the documentary. Its impact and value on the city and residents within are imbued into the very essence of not only the building, but the city as well; It serves as a testament to the New York of yesteryear. Van Elmbt and Duverdier stated, “As young filmmakers, we idealized the artist’s life in the ‘70’s in New York”. Upon seeing the Chelsea in person years later, it was “so far away from the ideal image of this mythical building we had in our minds”. In a time where modern or minimalist design is more cost-effective than chic, regal design choices, the beauty of the Chelsea is slowly being whittled away. Upon meeting resident Merle Lister, Dreaming Walls began taking shape as the filmmakers were told stories about the difficulties faced while living surrounded by construction.
What is most impressive about this documentary is that for a story that is inherently unfortunate and upsetting, it’s full of heartening moments. While the residents ruminate over their homes being taken from them piece-by-piece, they are justifiably angry. Yet with these feelings of defeat, the film juxtaposes this with the art they create alongside the chaos enclosing from all sides. As power tools loudly reverberate through the walls and elevators go up and down in front of resident windows, the spirit of the Chelsea and its residents lives on. We see portraits being made from wire, or poems and stream-of-consciousness essays are heard being read aloud. Lister is even planning a new dance number to commemorate a routine she put on earlier in life along the very same halls. As the camera flows through the halls akin to a ghost inhabiting the hotel, the true ethos of the Chelsea is felt.
Lister is often shown talking to the workers who come in and out of her home, and it’s a fascinating addition to the film. She clearly believes the Chelsea is strong enough in its own right to withstand any modern changes thrown at it. Through this, she is able to bring an optimistic sense of cheer that isn’t present among the rest of the residents which are introduced. Even some of the workers acknowledge just how powerful the looming history of the Chelsea is, and how it affects them daily. One in particular even goes so far as to claim they felt a supernatural force while working. As the film plays audio of a reading of Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle into that good night”, Dreaming Walls becomes a full on rallying cry. Those who remain among the halls of the Chelsea cannot do much to fight. This has been a decades long battle, yet this film serves as a beacon for the artists still residing within. It is but a sliver of the storied legacy this building has had on New York, and will hopefully not only garner positive change for those still living at the hotel, but inspire a new wave of creativity among its viewers. “Art puts you where you want to go”, said someone in the film, and if you want to transport yourself to the heyday of this hotel, all you have to do is create.
Dreaming Walls: Inside The Chelsea Hotel celebrated its North American Premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. Magnolia Pictures will release Dreaming Walls: Inside The Chelsea Hotel in theaters and on demand July 8th.