These Amazing Shadows

These Amazing Shadows is a fascinating documentary revolving around the National Film Registry, with its creation in 1988 used as a springboard for an all-encompassing look at various film-related issues (including the restoration of badly-damaged titles and a historical look at the first female directors). Filmmakers Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton initially capture the viewer’s interest by allowing famous folks like Rob Reiner, Christopher Nolan, and John Waters to talk about their favorite movies, with the inherently compelling nature of said interviews effectively (and easily) compensating for the fact that the movie feels like an AFI special during such moments. For the most part, however, These Amazing Shadows is concerned with tidbits and anecdotes related to the National Film Registry – as Mariano and Norton effectively take the viewer on a cinematic tour of the many issues related to its mandate. As such, the movie contains a number of eye-opening, downright fascinating stretches – including a look at the censorship (and subsequent restoration) of 1933’s now-notorious Barbara Stanwyck vehicle Baby Face. The end result is a briskly-paced and thoroughly captivating documentary that instantly establishes itself as a must-see for film buffs, though it’s clear that even casual moviegoers will find plenty here worth embracing.

***1/2 out of ****

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