Watch Just Like Being There

Just Like Being There, released in 2012, is a documentary directed by Scout Shannon which takes a deep dive into the poster art movement in the United States of America and the various artists who create these beautiful pieces of artwork. The movie focuses on the significance of the poster art industry and how it compliments the music and film industries. The documentary boasts an impressive cast of artists, including the likes of Daniel Danger, Germain Lussier, Jay Ryan, and many more.

The movie starts with a brief introduction about the art of poster making and how it has evolved over the years. The film features interviews with several famous poster artists who have created notable works for various iconic bands, musicians and films. The artists speak about their distinct styles, inspirations and how their artwork is an extension of their personality.

The movie heavily features Daniel Danger, one of the most respected poster artists, known for his detailed works which are often melancholic and enigmatic. He speaks at length about his creative process, how he comes up with ideas, and how music influences his artwork. He stresses the importance of art in our lives and how posters play a significant role in promoting live shows.

Germain Lussier, a journalist for /Film, also features in the documentary. Lussier is a big fan of movie posters and has amassed a massive collection of posters over the years. He expresses his love for the medium and explains how posters have a significant role in film promotion. He also talks about the fandom surrounding the poster art movement and how people are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money to get their hands on rare posters.

The movie showcases the innovative techniques used by artists to create their posters, such as screen printing, lithography and digital printing. It highlights the unique quality of poster art which sets it apart from other forms of art, as it is meant to be a mass-produced medium, yet each piece is different and unique in its own way.

The film also covers the significance of the poster art movement in promoting live shows and concerts. Concert posters are seen as collectibles by fans, and they have become an essential element of the live show experience. The documentary shows how concert posters are often designed not just to promote the show, but also to capture the essence of the music being performed.

The movie features several iconic posters, including the works of Emek, Tyler Stout, and Shepard Fairey. It showcases the evolution of poster art over the years, from simple designs to more complex, multilayered works of art. Some of the posters featured in the movie have become staples in pop culture and are widely recognized as iconic pieces of artwork.

One of the most impressive aspects of the documentary is how it connects poster art to music and film, highlighting how each medium feeds into the other. Using interviews with musicians and filmmakers, the documentary shows how poster art plays a crucial role in promoting their work and creating a sense of identity around their respective mediums.

Just Like Being There is an engaging and informative documentary that successfully showcases how poster art has become an integral part of American pop culture. The film is a celebration of the skill and artistry of the poster artists who have elevated an often-overlooked medium into a respected and beloved art form. It speaks to the power of creativity in our lives and how art can influence and inspire people in many different ways.

Just Like Being There is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.