Watch What Is Cinema?

What Is Cinema? is a compelling documentary which explores the world of cinema, the people behind the films, and the way in which they are viewed by society. Released in 2013, this feature-length documentary was directed by Chuck Workman, an acclaimed filmmaker who has been making movies for over three decades. The film features interviews with some of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century, such as Robert Altman, Peter Bogdanovich, and Chantal Akerman.

The movie is structured in seven chapters, each one of them exploring a different aspect of cinema. The first chapter, titled The Birth of Cinema, delves into the origins of film history and how it evolved to become the art form we know today. The second chapter titled The Hollywood Era, examines the rise of Hollywood as the epicenter of the film industry, and the evolution of cinema from silent films to talking pictures. The third chapter, The Directors, provides insights into the minds of some of the most celebrated filmmakers in history, such as Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, and Stanley Kubrick.

The fourth chapter, The Stars, studies the actors and actresses who have captured the hearts of moviegoers over the years. It provides an overview of how actors have become some of the most recognizable figures in modern popular culture. Chapter five, The Power of Editing, examines how the way films are edited can change the meaning and interpretation of a film. It gives examples of how editing techniques can manipulate the audience's perception of characters and events.

Chapter six, The Music, explores the role music plays in films, how it can evoke emotions and give an extra layer of meaning to the visuals. It provides examples from a wide variety of films, from classic epics like Spartacus to modern-day thrillers like Inception. The final chapter, The Future of Cinema, speculates about the potential directions cinema could take in the future. It discusses the impact of new technologies, such as virtual reality, and how they could change the way we experience cinema.

One of the strengths of What Is Cinema? is its tremendous archive footage of some of the most iconic films in history. Workman skillfully weaves together scenes from classic films, ranging from Citizen Kane to The Godfather, to help illustrate the concepts presented in each chapter.

The interviews with some of the greatest minds in cinema lead to some intriguing revelations. The late Robert Altman shares insightful comments on the importance of sound in his films, while Peter Bogdanovich reflects on the downfall of the Hollywood studio system. Likewise, Chantal Akerman's contributions explore the female perspective in cinema history and her experience as a pioneering female director in the male-dominated industry.

Overall, What Is Cinema? is an insightful and engaging examination of the history, techniques, and future of cinema. It showcases the power of film to capture the human experience and provides a platform for some of the greatest minds in cinema to share their perspectives. With its rich archive footage, comprehensive analysis, and deep insights, What Is Cinema? is a must-watch for anyone who loves and appreciates the art of filmmaking.

What Is Cinema? is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.