This one hit me on a different level - not just as someone who loves film music, but as a trumpet player who grew up hearing those soaring, unmistakable melodies. Think The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time in the West and Cinema Paradiso. Watching Ennio Morricone’s story unfold, I was struck by how much of his voice came from his early years as a jazz trumpeter in post-war Italy. You can hear it in the phrasing, the breath, the drama. It’s music written by someone who understands what it feels like to shape a note from silence. However this documentary is more than just a tribute to his genius; it’s a window into the mind of someone who never stopped experimenting, even when the world was already calling him a legend.
Becoming Bond
Several actors have played James Bond, but George Lazenby might be the only one who actually lived like him. This is one of the funniest documentaries I’ve ever seen - telling the true, almost unbelievable story of how an Australian car mechanic, with nothing but charm, wit, and a killer smile, bluffed his way into becoming 007. And then, just as quickly, walked away after one film. (For the record, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is still one of the most underrated Bond movies.) What starts as a wild ride through a surreal chapter of Hollywood history becomes something more thoughtful: a surprisingly honest look at identity, ego, and what it costs to go against the grain. Shake yourself a martini for this one.
Helvetica
Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is. A film all about a font. But not just any font, this is the typeface that changed typefaces. Even the very typeface you’re reading this on can be traced back to Helvetica. Helvetica itself was developed by a small Swiss design firm in the 50s (ever wonder why Swiss website domain names end in .ch? “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 gain an appreciation for why mid-century design still has a place in the modern world. Fair warning though: after you watch this you’ll start seeing Helvetica everywhere. From federal tax forms, to Facebook, to airport signage.
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!