Watch A Fuller Life

A Fuller Life is a 2013 documentary film which tells the story of the legendary filmmaker Samuel Fuller in his own words. The film is directed by Samantha Fuller, the daughter of the filmmaker, and features a cast of well-known actors reading from Samuel Fuller's memoir, A Third Face: My Tale of Writing, Fighting, and Filmmaking. James Franco, Jennifer Beals, and Bill Duke are just a few of the actors who appear in the film, each taking turns reading from Fuller's memoir to bring the story to life. Much of the documentary consists of these readings, with still images and archival footage intercut throughout.

Fuller's life was one of adventure and passion, and the documentary captures this spirit in its tone, pacing, and presentation. From a young age, Fuller was captivated by the movies, and he soon found work in the film industry as a screenwriter and eventually as a director. He made films that were gritty, violent, and unapologetically American, and he became known for his uncompromising approach to storytelling.

A Fuller Life takes us through Fuller's remarkable career, from his early success as a pulp writer to his experiences in World War II, where he participated in the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp. The documentary also explores his time in Hollywood, where he made films such as Shock Corridor and The Naked Kiss, which were controversial for their subject matter and style.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way that it uses Fuller's own words to tell his story. His memoir is filled with colorful anecdotes and unique perspectives on the film industry, and the readings from the book are full of personality and humor. At times, it feels as though Fuller himself is speaking directly to us, and we are able to experience his passion and excitement for filmmaking in a very personal way.

Another strength of the documentary is its use of archival footage and still images. We see footage from some of Fuller's most famous films, including The Big Red One and Pickup on South Street, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with colleagues and friends. The still images also provide a window into Fuller's world, with photographs from his childhood, his time in the army, and his years in Hollywood.

As we follow Fuller's story, we also get a sense of the social and political climate of the times. Fuller was a product of his era, and his work reflects the anxieties and tensions of postwar America. His films often dealt with themes of race, class, and inequality, and he was unafraid to tackle controversial issues head-on. A Fuller Life does an excellent job of contextualizing Fuller's work within this larger cultural framework, and we come away with a deeper understanding of what made his films so important and influential.

Overall, A Fuller Life is a touching and evocative tribute to a true American iconoclast. Through the readings from Fuller's memoir, we get a sense of his unique voice and perspective, and through the archival footage and still images, we gain a deeper understanding of his life and work. The film serves as a reminder that even in the age of big-budget blockbusters and endless sequels, there are still artists out there who are willing to take risks and tell stories that matter.

A Fuller Life is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 57.