If you’re a true movie buff, you probably love hearing stories and learning the history of Hollywood and the filmmaking process. And there’s no easier or better way to get your fill of movie knowledge than by watching a great documentary on the topic.
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These 5 documentaries about movies we recommend watching will excite you, shock you, and whet your appetite for more.
The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)
Based on Robert Evans’ autobiography, The Kid Stays in the Picture provides a captivating look at Evans’ career as a film producer in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s until he was arrested for trafficking cocaine and got tangled up in a murder case in the ’80s. You can watch The Kid Stays in the Picture on VOD platforms in Canada.
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls (2003)
Based on Peter Biskind’s book, Easy Riders, Raging Bulls is a captivating look at the New Hollywood era of filmmaking in the 1960s and 1970s. It explores the rise of influential directors like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, shedding light on their continued impact on Hollywood. You can watch Easy Riders, Raging Bulls on Prime Video Canada.
Life Itself (2014)
Filmed during his last days, Life Itself tells the story of Roger Ebert and his career and battle with cancer, providing an in-depth look at the impact he had on Hollywood. Life Itself is available to stream for free in Canada on Plex.
78/52 (2017)
78/52 is a documentary that meticulously dissects the iconic shower scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. The film explores the technical and cultural significance of this pivotal moment in movie history, providing a deep dive into Hitchcock’s filmmaking techniques and the impact of Psycho on the horror genre. You can watch 78/52 on Bell On Demand in Canada.
Sr. (2019)
Robert Downey Jr.’s father, Robert Downey Sr., was an avant-garde filmmaker known for his countercultural movies in the 60s and 70s (one of his best, Putney Swope, is available to watch on Tubi). This documentary touches on his impact as a filmmaker as well as his impact on Downey Jr. You can watch Sr. on Netflix Canada.
What are some of your favourite documentaries about movies to watch? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Photo credit: A scene from Life Itself.
