Top 10 Documentaries About Filmmaking

Description: This documentary captures the making of Werner Herzog's "Fitzcarraldo," focusing on the director's relentless pursuit to film a boat being hauled over a mountain, showcasing the extreme lengths filmmakers go to realize their vision.

Fact: The film was directed by Les Blank, who also made a companion piece, "Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe," after Herzog lost a bet.

Description: This documentary chronicles the tumultuous production of "Apocalypse Now," providing an insider's view of the legendary film's making, showcasing the challenges faced by Francis Ford Coppola and his crew.

Fact: The film was directed by Eleanor Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola's wife, who also appears in the documentary, giving a personal perspective on the ordeal.

Description: Following the journey of aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he attempts to make his low-budget horror film, this documentary captures the passion, perseverance, and sometimes the absurdity of independent filmmaking.

Fact: The film was a surprise hit at Sundance, winning the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, and it has since become a cult classic.

Description: Narrated by Robert Evans, this documentary provides an insider's look at Hollywood through the eyes of the former Paramount Pictures head, detailing his rise, fall, and comeback in the film industry.

Fact: The title comes from a famous line Evans said during the production of "The Odd Couple" when he insisted on keeping a young actor in the film.

Description: A behind-the-scenes look at Terry Gilliam's failed attempt to make "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote," this documentary captures the chaos, misfortune, and creative struggles that can derail even the most ambitious film projects.

Fact: The film was originally intended as a promotional piece but evolved into a documentary due to the production's collapse. It features Johnny Depp, who was set to star in the film.

Description: A look at Alejandro Jodorowsky's ambitious but ultimately unrealized adaptation of "Dune," this documentary showcases the visionary director's plans and the impact his ideas had on subsequent sci-fi cinema.

Fact: The film includes interviews with artists and filmmakers like H.R. Giger and Jean Giraud, who were part of Jodorowsky's original team.

Description: This documentary explores the transition from film to digital in cinema, featuring interviews with industry giants like Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan, offering a comprehensive look at how technology has reshaped filmmaking.

Fact: The film was directed by Chris Kenneally, who also appears in the documentary, and it includes a rare interview with George Lucas discussing his views on digital filmmaking.

Description: This documentary delves into the myriad of interpretations of Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," exploring fan theories, hidden meanings, and the film's cultural impact, offering a fascinating look at film analysis.

Fact: The title refers to the mysterious room in the Overlook Hotel, and the film itself has become a subject of its own conspiracy theories.

Description: This documentary examines the art of cinematography through interviews with some of the greatest cinematographers, exploring how they've captured light and shadow to create iconic film images.

Fact: The film features interviews with cinematographers like Gordon Willis, who shot "The Godfather" films, and Vilmos Zsigmond, known for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Description: This documentary celebrates the unsung heroes of cinema - the editors. It explores the art and craft of film editing, featuring interviews with renowned editors and directors, revealing how editing shapes the final product.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, highlighting the often overlooked importance of editing in filmmaking.