Watch Leaving Tracks

"Leaving Tracks," premiered in 2021, is a thought-provoking documentary film centered on the life of a man named Serge Bueno, a car enthusiast, and photography lover. The movie covers his journey, which started way back when he was a child, growing up amidst the rapidly evolving automobile culture of Hollywood. The slow and delicate start of the movie pulls the audience's attention as they are presented with a vintage-style opening highlighting the roads and wide streets of Hollywood. It then progresses to Serge, the main protagonist, sharing his story of growing up around cars, witnessing the evolution from vintage cars to the sleek modern ones. His testimony marks the start of an extraordinary journey into the world of cars, photography, and life.

The film seamlessly transitions between skilful captures of classic American cars, nostalgia-inducing footage of Hollywood, and stunning scenic views that will leave you gasping for breath. Directed by Nicholas J. Brown, the movie is an ode to Hollywood's rich history and culture of automobile enthusiasts. It's evident through the movie how much love and passion Nicolas carries for this world, which is reflected in the brilliantly executed cinematography.

As the documentary progresses, the film takes us on a mesmerizing journey portrayed through Serge's lenses. The way he captures vintage American cars is spectacular, and the speed and agility used in filming the cars gives the audience a brief glimpse into the thrill that comes from riding in one. The movie explores his evolution as a photographer and an artist and showcases his ability to capture the essence of a location or car model and freeze it in time with the perfect shot.

One of the essential themes of the movie is nostalgia, especially evident when representing Serge's connection to his past through the vintage American cars. The film suggests that Serge's reason for capturing the cars in the first place is to preserve the memory of a time when cars were more significant than just means of transportation. Through the interviews, the audience can see how his passion for cars has no limits, and how the art of taking a photograph represents his love for this subject.

The documentary further explores Serge's role in the automobile world as he takes the audience behind the scenes of car auctions and exhibitions. The way Nicholas J. Brown has inserted these scenes with minimal dialogues adds an eerie but alluring ambiance to the movie, giving it a sense of mystery.

The movie progresses seamlessly, and the audience is presented with a perfect balance between the story-telling and the visual imagery. One of the most compelling sub-themes the documentary brings to light is the idea that cars can have a soul of their own that connects with the owner.

The movie signifies the importance of connecting with the cars one owns, highlighting the fact that ownership isn't just limited to buying a machine. Rather, it's about understanding the past, preserving it, and making it a part of the future.

The movie is undoubtedly going to be a treat for automobile enthusiasts who will thoroughly appreciate the beauty displayed in the form of vehicle design and photography. The documentary is a must-watch for photographers looking to understand the essence of capturing an image's life and how to infuse their passion for photography with their subjects.

In conclusion, "Leaving Tracks" is a spectacular piece of work that showcases the best of both worlds, automobiles, and photography. Through the beautifully captured images and the soulful story-telling of Serge Bueno, the movie invigorates a sense of nostalgia and love for American cars' vintage culture. The documentary is a must-watch for car fanatics, vintage car enthusiasts, and photography lovers alike.

Leaving Tracks is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes.