The New Yorker documentary on the survival of meticulous print

The New Yorker at 100 offers an examination of the influential American magazine as it reaches its centenary, highlighting the processes that sustain it as a powerful, physical publication. 

Directed by Marshall Curry, the film provides a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft — from the rigorous fact-checking department to the eccentric cartoon selection — that underpins the final printed product.

Narrated by Julianne Moore, the documentary establishes how the magazine’s definitive features — its investigative journalism, distinctive literary fiction, critical essays, and wry cartoons — have shaped cultural discourse over the last century, all bound within its weekly pages.

Specifically, the documentary traces the evolution of The New Yorker, noting its transition from an early, humorous publication to a serious journalistic force built on the weight of its printed words. 

As this centenary arrives during a challenging era for media, where digital news is often fleeting and mistrusted, the documentary argues that The New Yorker’s sustained relevance lies in its commitment to quality print journalism. 

Ultimately, The New Yorker at 100 serves as a tribute to the power of the printed word. By demonstrating the painstaking human effort that goes into every comma and cartoon, the documentary reinforces why readers remain loyal to this tangible weekly object. 

In an age of algorithmic immediacy, the magazine’s very survival, defined by its commitment to in-depth, authoritative, and physical journalism, stands as a testament to the enduring value and trust placed in the carefully curated print medium.