Simply A Masterpiece

Really Surprised!

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

It's a Hollywood history focused on two disciplines not given much attention as well as a very charming story of a 60 year marriage between a couple of decent human beings who managed to 'not get any on them'.

This sweet documentary has garnered a lot of love in Tinseltown. It depicts the long marriage between Harold Michelson (Storyboard artist, Production Designer) and Lillian Michelson (Researcher) and their work behind the scenes on many a motion picture going back decades. Harold has unfortunately passed on, so it is Lillian that is front and center with her recollections.There are some nice clips and photos not only of their union, but, of the many films they worked on. There are some wonderful illustrations by Patrick Mate, but since Harold was an illustrator himself, I would have preferred more of his work. A minor point. A larger issue is that the movie gets a bit chummy with the subjects. It's a common issue with docs where one or more of the subjects is an active participant. While Harold & Lillian certainly were key behind the scenes players, they weren't quite as critical as the Doc makes them out to be. And, Harold's long history on Television is almost completely ignored in order to focus on his feature films (certainly the main focus, but, 100 episodes of TV is a pretty significant thing to bypass; it also explains the feature film gap in the chronology that isn't fully explained here). Fairly minor quibbles, but worth noting. This being a Doc about the business, expect it to be a player come awards season (Hollywood loves nothing more than patting itself on the back).

This film could very well have flown under my radar. I saw it during a one-week engagement at our town's small art house theater, and I don't always keep up with what they're showing. Similarly, Harold and Lillian Michelson flew largely under the radar of Hollywood. Most film buffs probably have never heard of them (I certainly hadn't); Harold was a storyboard artist and a production designer, and Lillian a researcher. But someone decided they would make a good subject for a film, and indeed they do. Harold had passed by the time the filmmaking began, but there was a large amount of archival footage on him. Lillian (age 87) is still alive and sharp as a tack. Both are charming, eloquent and endearing. I was greatly entertained by this film. The couple are great storytellers, and they have great stories to tell! I was amazed at the impact they have made on many films I have seen. Harold made indelible contributions to such films as 'The Birds,' 'Spartacus' and 'The Graduate'. Lillian, similarly, has had a hand in many iconic films. This is warm, fascinating documentary that will leave you with a big smile on your face (and a tug at your heart).

As a rule I don't rate documentaries. I hardly ever watch'em. The only documentaries I do watch are about cinema, or has a curious cinematic twist about the way they were made, otherwise count me out. So obviously this one is about cinema, but the reason I did rate it and I'm even writing a review about it is the sheer fun of watching it. It's just like sitting with a bunch of friends and listening to one of them who's a great story teller, telling about all sorts of things you thought you knew. And all of a sudden all those things you thought you knew are seen in vivid new colors, completely fresh.The Michelson couple is one of the most charming couples you'll ever meet. They're funny, witty and amazing storytellers. The outcome is simply riveting, and if you do love cinema it's a must see. you'll learn so much about the way things work behind the scenes, you wouldn't forgive yourself if you did miss it.