Side by Side came out last week, and I read some of the reviews on Netflix. Some really liked it, and some didn't. Not unusual I know, but a couple of the people who didn't like it suggested that the film was a waste of time. Apparently it is felt that the film vs. digital debate is moot, as film has no chance of sticking around. Then I watched Keanu discuss the project on Tavis Smiley. Again, the question is one process better than the other was discussed, and even Keanu didn't really side one way or another. Although it was clear he has a soft spot for film.
At that point I decided to watch the film. What I walked away with was something completely different, and in my opinion much more important than the one vs. another debate. To me the film was more about capturing this incredible period in history. We are in transition, and we've all seen how the recent technological leaps have change movies. What the film does is chronicle the advancements since Star Wars, even further back than that, and then also tell us how it was done. It was a nice break up to the discussion, and a backbone to follow.
Keanu had access to an impressive group of filmmakers, old school and new school. Not just directors, but cinematographers and editors too. I think the timing for this was perfect, as the transition isn't complete yet. It captures the film industry right now in the middle of it, instead of looking back on it 10 or 20 years from now. A lot was discussed, and I found it all to be very interesting. It was also cool to see the faces attached to the names I've seen for years.
I really enjoyed it, and in a way that I wasn't expecting. Yes there is a debate, a rather futile one at that, but for me it was the journey that Keanu took mapping the sides that was the really interesting part.
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