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Side by Side cover image

Side by Side 2018

Highly Recommended

Distributed by Collective Eye Films, 1315 SE 20th Ave. #3, Portland OR 97214; 971-236-2056
Produced by Keanu Reeves and Justin Szlasa
Directed by Christopher Kenneally
DVD, color, 99 min.



College - General Adult
Cinematography, Filmmaking, Technology

Date Entered: 01/16/2019

Reviewed by Johnnie N. Gray, Director of Media Services, Christopher Newport University

If you have been curious about how the film industry has evolved over the last one hundred years and how that has affected cinema, this documentary explores the technology behind film making. Hosted by Keanu Reeves, he interviews directors such as Scorsese, Lynch, and Lucas and gets their thoughts on the shift from traditional celluloid film to the digital realm. New ways to make films are now changing the way directors work. It is a contentious topic and this is a timely discussion of the growth of the industry.

Special screen time is given to the colorists and photographers involved in movie making. You also get a rare glimpse of traditional film developing and the newer innovations in digital cameras that are currently being used. It is clear that a change has happened very quickly in the industry during the last twenty years. The directors that are interviewed express concern and excitement for the future of movies and movie making due to the movement towards all things digital.

Reeves as a host is thoughtful and his casual conversational style with mainstream directors is a delight to witness. An excellent documentary for cinema students or enthusiasts.