Watch Something's Gonna Live

Something's Gonna Live is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary film released in 2009 that explores the contribution of four renowned Hollywood artists - Robert F. Boyle, Henry Bumstead, Conrad L. Hall and Albert Nozaki - in shaping the film industry. The film delves into their work, personal lives, and their enduring friendship despite age, illness, and distance.

The movie directed by Daniel Raim, takes the audience on an emotional journey that showcases the passion, experience, and expertise of these artists who have left a permanent mark on American cinema. The style and visual language of the movie are deliberately restrained and minimalist, echoing the works of the artists the film profiles.

Robert F. Boyle, the lead profiled in the movie, is an Academy Award-winning production designer who has created memorable sets for movies like North by Northwest, Cape Fear, and The Thomas Crown Affair. Henry Bumstead is another production designer who has collaborated with legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock, Clint Eastwood, and Otto Preminger. He has worked on movies including To Kill a Mockingbird, The Sting, and High Plains Drifter. Conrad L. Hall, the cinematographer, is best known for his work on films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, American Beauty, and Road to Perdition. Albert Nozaki, the art director, was known for his work in films like The Magnificent Seven, Bullitt, and Rollercoaster.

The film takes an intimate look at the lives of these artists and showcases their friendship, camaraderie, and dedication to their craft. The documentary features interviews with the artists, footage of their workspace, their sketches and design plans, and clips from the movies they worked on. Each artist shares their unique approach to filmmaking and what drew them to work in the industry. Their experiences and perspective offer an intriguing insight into the creative process and the challenges faced by artists in the industry.

One of the most striking elements of Something's Gonna Live is its exploration of the concept of artistry and longevity. The movie serves to remind the viewers that the films and the art created by those who work behind the scenes, such as production designers and cinematographers, are just as worthy of recognition and preservation as those who work in front of the camera. The film highlights how these artists consistently created unique and beautiful contributions to the film industry, which have stood the test of time, in some instances over five decades.

The documentary also provides the audience with a glimpse into the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of the aging process that the artists endure in their later years, which is exemplified by Nozaki's illnesses and Boyle's difficulty with stairs. The loss of youth and the toll it takes on their work and relationships is examined with great sensitivity. It is clear that the film desires to highlight the beauty of aging and reflects on what it means to continue working in the industry long after most people retire.

The film serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in filmmaking, and it is clear that each artist in the film takes pride in the collective works they have contributed and cherish. Edith Head, the famous costume designer once articulated that "the costume should support the character, not call attention to itself," and it is one of the central themes of the movie: that the work of each artist's contribution is to create a seamless movie experience that requires immense amounts of talent, cooperation, and dedication.

In conclusion, Something's Gonna Live is a moving and insightful documentary that provides an occasion to reflect on the role of those who work behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. The movie offers viewers a peek into the profound relationship between these artists and their vocation, as well as their exceptional friendship. Through the lens of the work of Boyle, Bumstead, Hall, and Nozaki, the movie examines the creative process of filmmaking and the important roles of blending craftsmanship and emotion to create timeless and meaningful works of art.

Something's Gonna Live is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.