The More Things Stay The Same

This was a project that I worked on closely with my friend Marc Moscato. I edited and created the motion graphics, while Marc researched Reitman’s story, bringing  in black and white 16mm that he shot in Chicago, interviews with Reitmans daughters, several notable historians from Chicago, and directed the film you see below.

the more things stay the same from marc moscato on Vimeo.

The More Things Stay The Same examines the life and world of Dr. Ben Reitman (1879-1942), known in his day as “the Clap Doctor”, “King of the Hoboes” and “the most vulgar man in America”. It forms an endearing portrait of Reitman’s colorful life, and investigates the cultural and social context of his times. From labor unrest to sex education to the genesis of the homeless crisis in America, Reitman’s work continues to have importance and relevance to the hard-hitting issues of today. The More Things Stay The Same not only sheds new light on this lost but vital slice of underground Americana, but also provides an urgent rallying cry for the present.