From the masters who create the mind-bending diversions to the tense competition at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, Patrick Creadon's documentary reveals a fascinating look at a decidedly addictive pastime. Creadon captures New York Times editor Will Shortz at work, talks to celebrity solvers -- including Bill Clinton and Ken Burns -- and presents an intimate look at the national tournament and its competitors.
Direction
Creadon crafts genuine tension from pencil scratches.
Production
Celeb interviews elevate this from PBS special to cinematic.
Director
Patrick Creadon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Will Shortz is the only person with a degree in Enigmatology—yes, that's puzzle-studies.
This doc premiered at Sundance the same year as 'An Inconvenient Truth'—two very different American obsessives.
US
