Documentary About Movies

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

My Voyage to Italy is a 1999 documentary directed by Martin Scorsese which looks at the rich history of Italian cinema. Through interviews, archival footage, and clips from classic Italian films, the documentary traces the development of Italian cinema from the early silent era to the heyday of the Italian neorealism movement. Scorsese also introduces and examines the works of some of the most influential figures of Italian cinema, including Roberto Rossellini, Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, and Luchino Visconti. The film also features interviews with actors, directors, writers, and critics who have worked with and studied the Italian film industry. My Voyage to Italy provides a fascinating overview of the impact Italian cinema has had on world cinema and is a must-see for film buffs.

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

Listen to Me Marlon is a 2015 documentary film about the life and legacy of Marlon Brando, one of the most celebrated actors of all time. Directed by Stevan Riley, the film features a wealth of archival material, including personal audio recordings and diary entries, as well as interviews with family, friends, and colleagues. These audio recordings are paired with a wealth of footage from Brando’s films, as well as Brando’s own home movies and behind-the-scenes shots. It explores Brando’s life and career, from his early days as a struggling actor to his rise to stardom and his later years. Through these interviews and recordings, a portrait of a complex man living in a complex world emerges, as do insights into his unique approach to acting and his thoughts on race, politics, and society.

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. The film explores the failed attempt of Chilean-French filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky to create an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction novel Dune in the mid-1970s. It features interviews with Jodorowsky, members of his creative team, and other people involved with the project. The film also touches on the project's influence on future science fiction films and its impact on Jodorowsky's career as a filmmaker. Through interviews, archival materials and storyboards, the film reveals how Jodorowsky's vision of Dune would have pushed the boundaries of what had been seen in the science fiction genre. Ultimately, the project was unable to gain the necessary funding and failed, leaving Jodorowsky and his team disappointed.

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 by Anna Maria Tatò that takes an intimate look at one of the most beloved actors of the 20th century, Marcello Mastroianni. Not only does this documentary feature archival footage of the actor, but it also includes interviews with Mastroianni himself, as well as his family, friends, and colleagues. Through these interviews, viewers are able to gain insight into Mastroianni's life and his success in the film industry, as well as a greater understanding of his legacy as an actor. The documentary also delves into the actor's personal life and his relationships with women, as well as his complex relationship with his mother. All of this and more makes Marcello Mastroianni: I Remember a must-see documentary for any fan of the actor's work.

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

Life Itself is a 2014 documentary film directed by Steve James which chronicles the life and career of film critic Roger Ebert. Based on Ebert's memoir of the same name, the film follows his career and struggles, most notably his battle with cancer and subsequent loss of his lower jaw. Through interviews and archival footage, it paints a portrait of a man who showed determination throughout his life and left a lasting impact on the world of film criticism. It also explores Ebert's relationships with various other people in his life, such as his wife Chaz, his longtime partner Gene Siskel, and fellow critic Richard Roeper. Interspersed throughout the documentary are Ebert's own reflections on his life and career, providing insight into his thoughts on the film industry and his own life.

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

American Movie is a 1999 documentary film directed by Chris Smith. The film follows the struggles of independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt, as he attempts to create his low-budget horror film, Coven. As Borchardt works to make his film, he is also battling personal issues such as depression, family responsibilities, and financial problems. Throughout the documentary, we get a glimpse of the creative process of independent filmmaking, as well as a portrait of a unique and determined filmmaker navigating the struggles of life.

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 documentary directed by Craig McCall that chronicles the life and career of renowned cinematographer Jack Cardiff. Through interviews with Cardiff himself and other film industry professionals, the film explores his early life and career, his groundbreaking work in color cinematography, his influence on generations of filmmakers, and his remarkable contributions to cinematic history. The documentary is an intimate portrait of the man and his work, from the early days of black-and-white silent films to his later innovations in color cinematography, and offers an insight into the creative process and his enduring legacy.

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 film by director Mami Sunada which follows the lives of the three main figures behind the world-famous Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers learn of the creative processes and motivations of the studio's founder and animation master, Hayao Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki, and Miyazaki's protégé, Isao Takahata. The film also showcases the unique relationship between the three men and the loving dedication they have for their craft and each other. Through this film, Sunada paints a portrait of an inspiring yet fragile kingdom in which dreams and madness intertwine to create some of the most magical and beloved animated films of our time.

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

Side by Side is a 2012 documentary film directed by Christopher Kenneally. The film focuses on the history, process, and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation, exploring how both media have evolved and coexist in today’s world of filmmaking. Featuring interviews with some of the most influential directors, cinematographers, colorists, engineers, and producers, Side by Side covers the transition from photochemical to digital filmmaking, and the impact that digital filmmaking has had on the industry as a whole. The film also examines the advantages of digital filmmaking, including cost efficiency, accessibility, and creative opportunities, as well as the challenges and implications of these changes from the perspectives of both filmmakers and audiences. Side by Side is a comprehensive overview of the current state of the film industry and its future possibilities.

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