From the first moment of “Wordplay”, it is clear that the documentary is not just about the New York Times crossword puzzle, but about the people who love it. Director Patrick Creadon gives an insider’s look into the world of crosswords, following the annual American Crossword Puzzle Tournament and introducing us to a number of devoted solvers, including a former winner, an amateur constructor and an obsessive group of crossword enthusiasts who call themselves “the Crazies”.
But the real star of the film is Will Shortz, the crossword editor for the New York Times for over 25 years. Shortz is shown to be a fascinating and multi-dimensional character. He is a puzzle master and a charismatic personality, a celebrity in the world of crossword puzzles, and the subject of countless stories and urban legends. The film explores Shortz’s life and his passion for puzzles, tracing his path from a curious child to his current position at the New York Times.
The documentary also delves into the history of crossword puzzles, taking us back to the early days of the New York Times puzzle and the infamous scandal that almost destroyed it. The film features interviews with some of the most renowned puzzle constructors in the country, including Merl Reagle, Ellen Ripstein, and Tyler Hinman, as they reveal the art and science behind constructing a puzzle.
What makes “Wordplay” so engaging is the way it balances the technical aspects of constructing and solving puzzles with the human stories of the people involved. The film is not just about crossword puzzles, but about the passion and dedication that people have for them. As one of the competitors in the tournament puts it, “Crossword puzzles are a window into people’s brains, their experiences and their cultural references.”
Creadon’s direction is excellent, bringing a level of energy and excitement to the subject matter that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. The interviews are informative and entertaining, the pacing is brisk, and the puzzles themselves are presented in a way that is both challenging and accessible to those who may not be crossword aficionados.
Overall, “Wordplay” is a delightful and captivating documentary that will appeal to both casual and serious puzzle solvers. It’s a film that celebrates not just the crossword puzzle, but the people who love them and the culture that has grown up around them.