When Books Aren't Enough

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When Books Aren't Enough

Created by Shellby - Updated on March 03rd 2021

Sometimes I don't have the patience for a book, so I watch documentaries instead.

Tell them anything you want a portrait of Maurice Sendak

From the Publisher

This is a deeply moving portrait of Maurice Sendak, a seminal talent who is conflicted with his success, and whose lifelong obsession with death has subtly and ironically influenced his work. Now 81, Sendak is best known for his first book, Where the wild things are, which he wrote after spending ten years as an illustrator. Through his own words, firsthand photos, and illustrations, Sendak offers a rare, intimate, and unexpected look at his exceptional life.

My Thoughts

A beautiful and creative look into the life of Maurice Sendak. This was directed by Spike Jonze before he made "Where the Wild Things Are" into a movie.

Going clear :: Scientology & the prison of belief

From the Publisher

"... [A] look inside the controversial religion from Academy Award-winner Alex Gibney. The film profiles eight former members of the Church of Scientology, exploring the psychological impact of blind faith, how the church attracts new followers and keeps hold of its A-list celebrity devotees."--Container.

My Thoughts

This didn't stop me from watching Tom Cruise movies, but he's on thin ice.

Stop making sense

Talking Heads (Musical group)

From the Publisher

A film of the Talking Heads in concert.

My Thoughts

David Byrne Big Suit.

Bright Lights

From the Publisher

Featuring vérité footage and vintage family films, this documentary was shot primarily within the compound where Debbie Reynolds and her daughter Carrie Fisher led separate lives but maintained a close relationship.

My Thoughts

After the tragic passing of both Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, this documentary shines brighter than you think it would.

Love, Gilda

From the Publisher

Never-before-seen footage and journal entries form the narrative spine of the documentary, allowing Gilda Radner to tell her own story; through the laughter and sometimes the tears. Incredibly, she was able to find humor in even the darkest of times. Her spirit lives on in comedy as a female trailblazer who continues to inspire many present day comedic performers.

My Thoughts

Gilda Radner is a light that is surely missed from this world, and I only appreciate her more after watching this.

Three identical strangers.

From the Publisher

The astonishing true story of three men who make the chance discovery, at the age of nineteen, that they are identical triplets, separated at birth and adopted to different parents. The trio's joyous reunion in 1980 catapults them to fame but it also sets in motion a chain of events that unearths an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes far beyond their own lives, a secret that goes to the very heart of all human behavior.

The Decline of Western Civilization Collection

From the Publisher

Penelope Spheeris' THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION was perceived as shocking and outrageous at the time of its original release in 1981 and its two follow-up films were no less extraordinary and revealing. Today, museums and educational institutions around the world present them as a historically significant works of art. Featuring some of the most influential and innovative musicians and groups of all time – Germs, Black Flag, X, Fear, Circle Jerks, Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne, these...

My Thoughts

A fascinating but often grim look into three different music scenes.

Over the limit

From the Publisher

Elite rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun is soon to retire, but has one final goal set out for her: winning Olympic gold. This documentary "looks at the grueling Russian system for training athletes and the intense physical and mental labor put into a sport that thrives on its beautiful aesthetics"--Container.

My Thoughts

I didn't think I would be so invested in this film, but ten minutes in and I was hooked. Anyone could get sucked into this documentary.

Studio 54

From the Publisher

For 33 months, from 1977 to 1980, the nightclub Studio 54 was the place to be seen in Manhattan. A haven of hedonism, tolerance, glitz and glamour, Studio 54 was very hard to gain entrance to and impossible to ignore, with news of who was there filling the gossip columns daily. Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, two college friends from Brooklyn, succeeded in creating the ultimate escapist fantasy in the heart of the theater district.

Montage of Heck

From the Publisher

Hailed as one of the most innovative and intimate documentaries of all time, experience Kurt Cobain like never before in the only fully authorized portrait of the famed music icon. Directed by acclaimed film maker Brett Morgen, who expertly blends Cobain2s personal archive of art, music. Never before seen movies, animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest friends. This DVD format includes the two hour plus documentary plus 48 minutes of additional interview footage.

My Thoughts

A realistic look into the often mystified legend of Kurt Cobain.

Won't you be my neighbor?

From the Publisher

An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host, Fred Rogers.

My Thoughts

I cried for 20 minutes after watching this, and I am not ashamed to admit that.

Oasis: Supersonic.

From the Publisher

From the **Oscar** winning producers of *Amy* comes a riveting look at the meteoric rise of seminal 90's rock band *Oasis*, immersing us in the raucous rock stars’ fast-paced world of electrifying music, wild debauchery, and epic fraternal feuding. Winner of Best Documentary at the **UK Empire Awards**. "*Supersonic" boasts an ear-blasting, you-are-there immediacy, utilizing a treasure trove of archival photos and footage to make you feel present.*" - Mark Caro, ***The Chicago Sun-Times***

My Thoughts

Not to add fuel to the Gallagher vs. Gallagher decade-long feud, but Liam Gallagher, based on sheer entertainment value alone, is the better brother and this documentary proves it.

Bad reputation

From the Publisher

It's true, Joan Jett became mega-famous from the number-one hit "I Love Rock n Roll," but that's only part of the story. This documentary gives a wild ride as Jett and her close friends tell you how it really was in the burgeoning's 70s punk scene and the rocky road to rock stardom decades on. Their interviews are laced with amazing archival footage.

My Thoughts

Even though I am a lifelong Joan Jett fan, this documentary had so much that I didn't know about her it was definitely worth a watch.

Rush : beyond the lighted stage

From the Publisher

"Rush is one of rock's most influential bands. Ranked third in consecutive gold or platinum albums after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the band enjoys a devoted following by legions around the world and is revered by generations of musicians. Yet, their incredible success story has, up to this point, remained largely untold. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with some of today's most respected rock artists, Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage explores the forty-year...

My Thoughts

My brother made me watch this documentary despite my poor attitude towards Rush. I ended up falling absolutely in love with this band and I have no clue why I never liked them before. Unfortunately, four days after I finally came to like Rush, their drummer, Neil Peart, passed away. A definite watch for any music fan. A man at some point says "Yakima" strangely.

All things must pass

From the Publisher

Chronicles the rise and fall of Tower Records, from the opening of its flagship store in Sacramento, California in 1960, to its evolution into an international retail chain and bankruptsy in 2006. Owner Russ Solomon and various store employees discuss Tower's unique approach to selling recorded music.

My Thoughts

A nostaligic look back on a once great record empire.

LA 92

From the Publisher

"Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests and violence in Los Angeles, LA 92 immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen footage. Produced by Oscar® winner Simon Chinn and Emmy® winner Jonathan Chinn and directed by Oscar® winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin, the film brings a fresh perspective to a pivotal moment."--Container.

Creem: America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine.

From the Publisher

Chronicles what many consider to be the greatest rock ‘n’ roll magazine ever; an infamous, irreverent alternative to Rolling Stone. Legends such as Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Michael Stipe and Cameron Crowe express their love for CREEM and its lasting cultural impact. 

My Thoughts

Many people I admire are fans of Lester Bangs so I assumed I would also be a fan of him myself. I was wrong.