This is my personal top 10 list of docs on the making of movies. These are actual documentaries, not DVD extras that got some kind of release as an actual film independent of the movie(s) they are about.
Anyone have any other ones to add to the list?
- The Cutting Edge - a documentary on film editing, staggeringly well made.
- Hearts of Darkness - the making of APOCALYPSE NOW with all kinds of crazy insight into Coppola's process.
- American Movie - a profile of an unknown horror filmmaker and his merry band of friends making a horror feature (then short) in Wisconsin.
- Full Tilt Boogie - an interesting look at the making of FROM DUSK TILL DAWN with very little from director Robert Rodriguez, but focusing on the crew positions and assistants. Fairly unique movie.
- Overnight - The in depth look at hubris and ego, but I was greatly affected by a review that reminded me that all the enablers surrounding the ego maniacal writer/director of BOONDOCK SAINTS Troy Duffy. Watch how all of his friends can clearly express silently their buddy is crazy, but don't say a peep as they hope he comes through with money and power for them.
- Visions of Light - The best documentary on cinematography in film ever made.
- Official Rejection - an indie documentary on film festivals, the bureaucracy, the horror stories, and fun of touring with your film.
- Double Dare - A comparison documentary on two stuntwomen, one a legend of the past and another up and coming. It inadvertantly enveloped the beginning of Tarantino's KILL BILL because he hired the latter, Zoe Bell to double for Uma Thurman during this doc.
- Cinematographers Style - a close 2nd best documentary on cinematography, but minus any sample clips from anything the subjects are discussing, it still has some incredible insights and histories of the best DP's of the last 20 years.
- Lost in LaMancha - Originally intended to be for the DVD extras for the eventual release of Terry Gilliam's attempt at making Don Quixote, LOST IN LAMANCHA became a feature release of the failed movie. Seeing the passion and creative process of one of the most unique directors is priceless.
Anyone have any other ones to add to the list?