Documentaries About Movies

From Martin Scorsese, starring Star: Martin Scorsese
Rated PG-13

My Voyage to Italy is a 1999 documentary directed by Martin Scorsese. The film chronicles Scorsese’s lifelong love of Italian cinema, as he visits Rome, Florence, and Naples to explore the places and culture that inspired some of the greatest filmmakers in history. From in-depth interviews to clips from classic films, My Voyage to Italy pays tribute to a golden era of Italian filmmaking and its influence on Scorsese’s own work. It is a unique exploration of Italian culture, history, and cinema, told through the eyes of one of the greatest directors of all time.

From Stevan Riley, starring Marlon Brando, Stella Adler, Bernardo Bertolucci, Michael Borne
Rated Unrated

Listen to Me Marlon is a documentary film about the life of Marlon Brando, one of the most iconic and influential actors of all time. Directed by Stevan Riley, the film uses archival audio recordings of Brando, along with interviews with family and friends, to paint a portrait of the man behind the legend. The film chronicles Brando's remarkable life and career, from his troubled childhood to his successes in Hollywood, his colorful personal life, and his later years as an activist. Listen to Me Marlon provides insight into how his personal struggles, insecurities and political views influenced his acting and artistic vision. Ultimately, the film captures Brando's immense depth and complexity, showing how he was both flawed and brilliant, a genius and a misfit.

From Frank Pavich, starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, Michel Seydoux, H.R. Giger, Chris Foss
Rated PG-13

Jodorowsky's Dune is a 2013 documentary film directed by Frank Pavich. It tells the story of cult film director Alejandro Jodorowsky's attempt to adapt Frank Herbert's science-fiction novel Dune into a feature film in 1974. The documentary includes interviews with many of the original collaborators, such as H. R. Giger and Jean Giraud, as well as modern-day filmmakers inspired by Jodorowsky's vision of the adaptation. The film also provides an in-depth look at the ambitious project and the influence it has had on modern Hollywood filmmaking. As Jodorowsky himself says, the project was "the greatest film never made."

From Anna Maria Tatò, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Renato Berta, Manoel de Oliveira, Diogo Dória
Rated Not Rated

Marcello Mastroianni: I Remember is a 1997 documentary film about the life and career of legendary Italian actor, Marcello Mastroianni. Directed by Anna Maria Tatò, the film chronicles Mastroianni's life, from his humble beginnings in Fontana Liri, Italy, to his rise to international superstardom. Through interviews with Mastroianni, his family, and other key figures in his life, the film provides a unique insight into the life of one of Italy’s most beloved figures. It also features clips from some of his most famous films, including La Dolce Vita, 8 1/2 and Divorce Italian Style. The film is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Mastroianni, who died in 1996.

From Steve James, starring Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Gene Siskel, Martin Scorsese
Rated R

Life Itself is a documentary film directed by Steve James, based on the memoir of the late film critic Roger Ebert. The film follows Ebert's life, from his early days as a Chicago newspaper film critic to his death in 2013. It includes interviews with Ebert's colleagues, friends, family, and fans, as well as footage from some of Ebert's favorite films. The film offers a personal look at Ebert's struggles and triumphs, and explores the impact he had on the world of film criticism. The film also pays tribute to Ebert's legacy as a writer, a mentor, a lover of cinema, and an inspiration to many.

From Chris Smith, starring Mark Borchardt, Mike Schank, Tom Schimmels, Monica Borchardt
Rated R

American Movie (1999) is a documentary directed by Chris Smith about the struggles of amateur filmmaker Mark Borchardt in trying to make his first feature film, called "Northwestern", in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The film follows Mark as he deals with numerous setbacks and challenges, including lack of funding, lack of help from family and friends, his own inexperience, and the physical and mental toll of making a movie. Throughout his struggles, Mark is determined to see his project through to the end, refusing to give up despite the odds. The film also follows Mark's family, friends, and other acquaintances, as they try to support him while also recognizing his artistic aspirations. As the film progresses, Mark is able to overcome his obstacles and ultimately completes his film, giving him a sense of accomplishment that is ultimately bittersweet.

From Craig McCall, starring Jack Cardiff, Martin Scorsese, Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall
Rated Not Rated

Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff is a 2010 documentary film directed by Craig McCall. The film chronicles the life and work of Jack Cardiff, the Academy Award-winning British cinematographer. With interviews and archival footage, the film paints a portrait of a brilliant artist and craftsman, whose pioneering approaches to color and light revolutionized the world of cinematography. Cameraman offers a unique insight into the mind and career of Jack Cardiff, and his lasting influence on the art and craft of cinematography.

From Mami Sunada, starring Hayao Miyazaki, Yumiko Miyoshi, Toshio Suzuki, Shinsuke Nonaka
Rated Not Rated

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness is a 2013 documentary by director Mami Sunada which follows the inner workings of the acclaimed Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. Through unprecedented access to the studio's founders, Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the film reveals the passion and dedication of those who create Miyazaki's beloved films. Through interviews, conversations, and footage from within the studio, the film gives viewers an intimate look into the creative process and the unique vision of two of the greatest animation masters of all time. The film also delves into the personal lives of its subjects, exploring their motivations and hopes as they work tirelessly to bring their dreams to life.

From Christopher Kenneally, starring Derek Ambrosi, Michael Ballhaus, Andrzej Bartkowiak, Dion Beebe
Rated Not Rated

Side by Side (2012) is a documentary film directed by Christopher Kenneally that explores the history, process, and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation. The film features interviews with directors, cinematographers, colorists, engineers, and other industry professionals who discuss the transition from photochemical to digital filmmaking. Throughout the documentary, the pros and cons of both methods are considered, with a focus on the technology and its impact on the art form. The interviews also cover topics such as production costs, workflow, and the changing landscape of film distribution. Side by Side (2012) ultimately provides a detailed look at the history and future of filmmaking.

From Directors: Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, Jafar Panahi, starring Jafar Panahi, Igi, Mrs. Gheirat, Mojtaba Mirtahmasb
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier, starring Claus Nissen, Majken Algren Nielsen, Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez, Jacqueline Arenal
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Noah Baumbach, Jake Paltrow, starring Brian De Palma, Mark Hamill, Amy Irving, Kurt Russell
Rated R

From Directors: Joey Figueroa, Zak Knutson, starring John Milius, Ethan Milius, Amanda Milius, Walter Murch
Rated PG

From Directors: Keith Fulton, Louis Pepe, starring Terry Gilliam, Johnny Depp, Jeff Bridges, Tony Grisoni
Rated R

From Directors: Nanette Burstein, Brett Morgen, starring Robert Evans, Eddie Albert, Peter Bart, Charlie Bluhdorn
Rated R

From Marina Zenovich, starring Andrew Braunsberg, Richard Brenneman, Douglas Dalton, Marilyn Beck
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Tony Montana, Mark Brian Smith, starring Troy Duffy, Jeffrey Baxter, Chris Brinker, Jake Busey
Rated R

From Damian Pettigrew, starring Federico Fellini, Roberto Benigni, Luigi 'Titta' Benzi, Italo Calvino
Rated R

From Miguel Gomes, starring Crista Alfaiate, Miguel Gomes, Maria Rueff, Bruno Bravo
Rated Not Rated

From Tessa Louise-Salomé, starring Leos Carax, Mehdi Belhaj Kacem, Richard Brody, Caroline Champetier
Rated Not Rated