If ever there was a documentary begging to be adapted into a Nick Hornby novel and an eventual narrative feature film, “The Parking Lot Movie” is it.
Focusing on a parking lot in Charlottesville, Virginia, Meghan Eckman interviews the inhabitants who have designated themselves a “ragtag group of fractured poets.” They are parking lot attendants–folks who have mastered the art of hanging out. Through colorful interviews we meet the attendants and the lot’s thoughtful owner who all have a Zen-like take on their lot in life.
Smartly delivering the story exclusively through the voices of the subjects, first time feature director Eckman takes a subject that would otherwise be bland and one note and makes it rich and informative. After watching “The Parking Lot Movie” you’ll think twice before dismissing out of hand that random parking lot attendant to whom you’ve entrusted your prized vehicle. You might even ask for a bit of metaphysical poetry with your parking ticket.
I discovered “The Parking Lot Movie” on Netflix where it can be watched instantly. Watch the trailer below.