Doc Thoughts

I started this blog because I genuinely believe documentaries matter now more than ever. In a world overloaded with hot takes, clickbait, and algorithm-fed outrage, documentaries slow things down. They let stories breathe. They offer depth, context, and perspective — sometimes even beauty — in a way few other mediums can.

This isn’t some grand project. It’s just a personal list of documentaries I’ve watched and think are worth your time. No rankings, no long-winded reviews, just honest recommendations in no particular order. Some are intense, some are hilarious, some are quietly profound. All of them made me think, feel, or see the world a little differently.

Happy watching! - Chris

Becoming Bond

Several actors have played James Bond, but George Lazenby was the only one who actually lived a life like James Bond. This might be the most hilarious documentary I’ve ever scene, as it’s all the true story of how an Australian car mechanic literally became 007. And then… walked away from it all after 1 film. (But may I go on the record saying ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ is the most underrated Bond movie.) It’s a surprisingly reflective look at fame, identity, and the cost of doing things your own way. Make yourself a Martini for this one :)

Helvetica

Yes, it is exactly what you think it is. A film all about a font. But not just any font, this is the typeface that changed typefaces. Helvetica itself was developed by a small Swiss design firm in the 50s (ever wonder why Swiss domain names end in .ch? It abreviates “confederation helvetica”). And like a Swiss army knife, Helvetica is compact, precise, and stylish. Through this lens, we learn how Switzerland quietly shaped the way we communicate and why mid-century design still has a place in the modern world.

Ken Burns: The Brooklyn Bridge

As a native Northern Californian, I used to roll my eyes at the Brooklyn Bridge. It surely was no Golden Gate. But the story of how the New York City icon was fathomed, designed, and built is utterly fascinating. When completed in the 1860s, it was the tallest structure in the western hemispher. But beyond the scientific and architectural advancements it spurred, The Brooklyn Bridge is about how a physical structure becomes a societal symbol. And at < 60 minutes, it’s a very manageable commitment by Ken’s standards :)

Meru

If you liked Jimmy Chin’s documentary Free Solo, you’ll surely like what I believe to be his magnum opus. The first-hand account of how he and a couple of friends dared to climb a mountain many believed to be ‘unclimbable’, this film takes you on that very journey. Complete with ‘are you f**king kidding me’ visuals, it truly is a spectacle and a ride. Even if you couldn’t care less about the world of climbing, this one grips you from beginning to end. Try to hang on!