Documentary filmmaker Angela Ismailos’s 2009 documentary “Great Directors” was a satisfactory first step for burgeoning film buffs to not only learn about what goes into becoming a director but to hopefully become inspired to seek out the brilliant works of the directors interviewed for the film. Today you can watch the whole thing for free, thanks to the good people at Anisma Films.
For her doc, Ismailos sat down with some of the most revered and influential names in film history, including Bernardo Bertolucci, David Lynch, Liliana Cavani, Stephen Frears, Agnes Varda, Ken Loach, Todd Haynes, Catherine Breillat, Richard Linklater and John Sayles, each expounding on their influences and artistic processes.
Upon its release, “Great Directors” got mixed reviews. Many critics praised Ismailos’ ability to extract honest and candid interviews with her subjects but criticized the fact that she inserted too much of her own thoughts on these directors and their films via voice-over segments. It seemed that she couldn’t decide whether or not the doc should be an objective documentary about these cinema legends or a subjective visual essay about film history. Another problem is that the 90-minute runtime can’t afford enough space for the audience to really get to know each director. Perhaps that’s why it’s better to look at “Great Directors” as a sampler plate for the relatively uninitiated. You can watch the documentary in its entirety below. [35MM]
It is a great collaboration
What a substantial artistic addition to the world of art. Angela Ismailos has done an extremely well job here as a director preserving the history of cinema through the eyes of these very accomplished visual artists.
Which directors wouldn\’t be dull then, Daniel? I think he didn\’t write about the doc but on the directors…
interesting one. not the best though but had me listening the whole time
Passionate comment there, Pixeedude. Also, wrong. I\’m David Lynch Fan #1, and that show was pretty dull. Hope Dave\’s saving his energy for Twin Peaks 2016. #lelandlives
This is not dull at all; if you got no time to listen to these filmmakers you are just shit at taking in stories, ergo a crap film maker if you are one at all. Your comments are dull as shit.
Make that, dull as shit.
Yes, a 90 minute show of all the boring directors.