Frederick Wiseman, the legendary American documentarian credited with an incisive portrayal of contemporary society through his films, has died. His career began with "Titicut Follies" in 1967, which explored the harsh realities of a psychiatric hospital housing inmates deemed mentally unfit for trial. The film was controversial upon its release, facing a 24-year distribution ban due to its harrowing depiction of patient mistreatment and the court's ruling on individuals’ consent rights. Critics argued that the film's suppression stemmed from its bold exposure of the cruelties within the penitentiary system rather than concerns about ethical filmmaking practices.