10. Icarus
While doping in sports seems like a more current issue, it has been going on for decades, and this documentary exposes one of the most serious and chronic cases in Russian Olympic athletes. The former head of the Russian anti-doping laboratory, Grigory Rodchenkov, the subject of this film, put his life on the line to expose and explain the process in which the Russians cheated the system for years. The film is both eye opening and terrifying.
9. Eagles of Death Metal Nos Amis (Our Friends)
Colin Hanks does an excellent job of telling the interesting story of how one of a band that never takes themselves too seriously were caught in the most serious of situations and will be forever linked for better or worse to France and the terrorist attack at the Bataclan venue. It’s a heavy one to take in.
8. Voyeur
A wild story stemming from acclaimed journalist, Gay Talese, and his research surrounding the article, The Voyeurs Motel, in the New York Times. Having been corresponding with Gerald Foos, a former motel owner who would watch his tenants through the vents in the ceilings. Talese is known for being the father of “new journalism,” his works meant to be read like fiction, which is what this story feels like, but turns into much more. In this age where “fake news” and instances like the Rolling Stone “Rape on a College Campus,” are put under a microscope, journalists should be more meticulous, and this serves as a warning as well as a captivating documentary.
7. Gilbert
This film sheds light on the ever eccentric, funnyman Gilbert Gottfried. The films strength is in shedding a light on a side of Gottfried that isn’t known or accessible. In regards to his family life, he is like a bank vault. He is uncomfortable letting the camera and outsiders see him in that environment. That exposure creates for a remarkable look at the man behind some of the dirtiest jokes in the business.
6. Springfield of Dreams: The Legend of Homer Simpson
Fun, nostalgic callback to one the Simpsons golden years and one of the best episodes in their canon. Features appearances by Bob Costas, Joe Buck, and many of the former ballplayers featured in the episode who add to the allure of the story.
5. Rumble: The Indians That Rocked The World
The heavy distortion that carries from Link Wray’s iconic “Rumble” was the current that ran through every rock ‘n’ roll song that ever came after. His, and many other influential and musical talents, are of Native American descent, which is a traditionally overlooked culture when it comes to popular music.
Native American musicians undoubtedly played a major role in the creation and influence of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and pop music. Beginning with Link Wray’s historic riff, to Redbone’s 70s pop smash, “Come and Get Your Love,” to Black Eyed Pea’s rapper Taboo, director’s, Catherine Bainbridge and Alfonso Maiorana, have created a wonderfully unique documentary making a sound argument that Native American’s have made the most influential contributions to music.
4. Faces Places
Truly a unique and beautiful journey. Photographer Agnès Varda (89) and street artist JR (34) travel through France and connect with people in different sects of life. They meet farmers, bar owners, and other common people, learn their story and create portraits depicting them in their atmosphere. Varda and JR find common ground in artistic eyes, bridging the gap in their age and lens.
3. Chasing Coral
The importance of the Great Barrier Reef Between bleaching and climate change slowly elevating temperatures, reefs are dying at a rapid pace. Beyond just the beauty of these living organisms, their importance above and below water is crucial, and it is stunning how significant the destruction over the course of a year has been by these scientists.
2. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond – Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton
The great beyond is a phrase that surrounds Jim Carrey, Andy Kauffman and the film that connects them, Man on the Moon. This documentary weaves between present day Jim Carrey and previously raw and unreleased, behind the scenes footage of Carrey literally transforming into Andy Kauffman for the 1999 biopic. There is pure lunacy as Carrey lost himself in the performance, not breaking character for the entirety of shooting. However, there are many touching in the moments where Carrey speaks of his late father’s influence on him, while also reconnecting Kauffman’s family with the late comedian through his performance. It truly is captivating and elevates the mystique of Kauffman.
1. I Am Not Your Negro
“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it has been faced. History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history. If we pretend otherwise, we literally are criminals.” – James Baldwin
Raoul Peck has created a powerful film, taking an unfinished work by James Baldwin, titled Remember This House, and exploring the plight of black Americans in this country by highlighting the parallels between the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s to the present day Black Lives Matter movement. Peck paints a portrait of America’s shortcomings, flaws and inadequacies compared to other countries, France specifically, where Baldwin took residence for part of his life. Baldwin’s eloquent manuscript, written in the late 1970s unfortunately resonates in today’s climate, making this film an imperative and impeccable documentary.
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