Jay Myself (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Jay Myself is a 2019 biographical documentary directed by Stephen Wilkes, starring Jay Maisel. It runs 1 hour 19 minutes and earned $151,331 worldwide. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 19m (79 min)
- Director
- Stephen Wilkes
- Genres
- Biography , Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Oscilloscope
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Jay Myself About?
The premise of Jay Myself without spoilers.
As renowned photographer Jay Maisel prepares to leave his longtime home in Manhattan's "The Bank" after 48 years, filmmaker Stephen Wilkes documents a reflective portrait of his mentor. The film combines biography and documentary, exploring Maisel's impactful artistic career, his influence on other artists, and the emotional experience of parting with a significant chapter of his life. It's a bittersweet look at an era ending in New York City, celebrating a unique legacy.
Jay Myself Cast
Jay Maisel stars in Jay Myself. Directed by Stephen Wilkes.
- Director Stephen Wilkes
- Jay Maisel as themselves
Jay Myself Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Jay Myself 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).
Jay Myself Echo Score Breakdown
In its overall presentation, Jay Myself excels in its visual artistry and reflective tone. Critics note the film’s ability to transform everyday scenes into striking compositions while weaving a contemplative narrative around its subject. Several reviewers highlighted the affectionate portrayal of Jay Maisel’s personality and the film’s balanced pacing, though some wished for deeper psychological exploration. The documentary’s blend of vivid imagery and intimate moments sustains engagement from start to finish. Ultimately, Jay Myself offers a rewarding sensory and emotional experience that resonates beyond its runtime.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art & craft, Jay Myself delivers consistently compelling visual compositions. Reviewers praise its meticulously framed shots, evocative use of natural light, and thoughtful editing that highlights the texture of found photographs. The direction emphasizes visual storytelling through lingering camera movements and measured cutaways. Overall, the film’s aesthetic cohesion stands as one of its foremost achievements.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character & emotion, the film offers a warmly human portrait of its subject. Jay Maisel’s distinctive personality emerges through archival footage and candid interviews, lending authenticity and subtle humor. While some viewers desired deeper psychological analysis of his hoarding, many appreciated the affectionate depiction of his quirks and interpersonal dynamics. The result is an engaging emotional connection to the artist.
- Story & Flow 70
In terms of story & flow, Jay Myself follows a loosely structured but consistently engaging journey. The pacing is measured, allowing moments of reflection alongside brief bursts of playful juxtaposition. The narrative lacks a conventional plot arc yet maintains interest through thematic cohesion and gradual revelations about Maisel’s creative legacy. Ultimately, the film’s narrative rhythm supports its documentary form without significant disruptions.
- Sensory Experience 88
When considering sensory experience, the documentary excels at immersing viewers in rich audiovisual landscapes. The soundtrack subtly underscores emotional beats without overpowering the visuals, while sound design amplifies ambient textures. Visually, the film revels in vibrant color palettes and detailed close-ups of photographic prints. These combined elements create an enveloping sensory atmosphere that elevates the film’s impact.
- Rewatch Factor 70
In terms of rewatch factor, Jay Myself offers rewarding discoveries upon subsequent viewings. The density of visual detail and the contemplative pacing invite new observations about Maisel’s techniques and the interplay of light and shadow. Although its slow-burn structure may deter viewers seeking conventional drama, the film’s lasting appeal lies in its capacity to reveal fresh aesthetic insights over multiple sessions.
-
IMDb 7.1 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 88% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 88%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 74 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 60% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.5 /5
1 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 2.3 /5
See on Movie Insider
Jay Myself Box Office
Jay Myself grossed $151,331 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$151.3K
- US & Canada
- $151.3K
Jay Myself Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Jay Myself.
Seen Jay Myself?
Jay Myself FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Jay Myself, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Jay Myself?
Jay Myself runs 1 hour 19 minutes (79 minutes).
When was Jay Myself released?
Jay Myself was released on July 31, 2019.
Who directed Jay Myself?
Jay Myself was directed by Stephen Wilkes.
Who is in the cast of Jay Myself?
Jay Myself stars Jay Maisel.
How much did Jay Myself make at the box office?
Jay Myself grossed $151,331 worldwide.
How is Jay Myself rated?
Jay Myself has 7.1/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.
Does Jay Myself have a post-credit scene?
No. Jay Myself has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
