Movies and TvShows featuring "film-essay" theme.

F for Fake is a documentary film about the life and art of notorious art forger Elmyr de Hory. Directed by Orson Welles, the film explores the blurred line between reality and fiction, as well as the themes of deception, manipulation, and illusion. The film also delves into the world of art forgery and the scandal surrounding it. With a nonlinear timeline and innovative storytelling techniques, F for Fake is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of authenticity and the concept of truth in the art world.

Sans Soleil is a poetic documentary that blends archive footage with personal musings to explore the themes of memory, time, and identity. The film takes the viewer on a journey across different countries and cultures, using images and narration to create a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience.

In King Lear (1987), a film editor finds himself captivated by the writings of a renowned playwright. As he delves deeper into the playwright's works, his own life starts to mirror the themes of power, virtue, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s and the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, this film explores art, inspiration, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

The Return of a Library Lover is a documentary short film that tells the story of a library lover who returns to his home in Santiago, Chile after years of exile. The film explores the themes of nostalgia, oneiric experiences, and the impact of exile on the protagonist. Through secret filming, the director captures the non-professional cast and their genuine emotions as they navigate their return to their roots in Southern Chile.

Manoel de Oliveira plays his film in three stages: the first part - a play, the second can be roughly defined as a silent film (with the behind the scenes read excerpts from Beckett works), but in the end the director brilliantly performs the same material of the avant-garde exercise. Surprisingly, a joke, repeated three times, each time everything sounds fresh and develops into an almost verbatim adaptation of the biblical "Book of Job" - a spectacular point in a parable about how hard to empathize with other people's misery, when you have your own.

A.K. is a documentary film that explores the life and work of A.K., a famous Japanese filmmaker. The film delves into his filmmaking process and the challenges he faced in his career. It also highlights his spiritual journey and his deep connection with Japanese culture.

Film Socialisme (2010) is an avant-garde movie that delves into topics such as philosophy, family relationships, politics, and justice. Through a unique film-essay style, it presents a thought-provoking exploration of these themes. The story meanders through different scenarios, including a cruise ship, a garage, and historical events like the French Revolution. The film touches upon the resentment, struggles, and complexities of human existence, all while offering a critical reflection on society. With its unique blend of elements, Film Socialisme invites viewers to engage in a profound and philosophical journey.

Far from Vietnam is a documentary film released in 1967, focusing on the Vietnam War. It is an omnibus film created by several filmmakers, exploring different aspects of the war and its impact on both Vietnam and the United States. The film uses various narrative techniques to convey the brutality of the war and the anti-war sentiment that was growing during that time.

Dead Times is a surreal animated short film that explores themes of death and time. The story follows a limping character who encounters a series of bizarre and cruel events, including a bullfight, a guillotine, and a burning dead body. Through its surreal visuals and dark atmosphere, the film delves into the cruelty and decay of the human existence.

Eva, a film editor, and her assistant Rami are working on a film about blind people. A melancholy reflection on cinema and images.

The Mad Masters is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the impact of colonialism in Africa. Through a cinema-verite style, the film showcases the struggles and realities faced by the African population. It highlights the intersection of power dynamics, cultural oppression, and the resilience of the people. With an unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities, this film serves as an eye-opening film-essay on the subject.

Level Five is a documentary film from 1997 directed by Chris Marker. It follows Laura, a computer programmer, as she explores the Battle of Okinawa and creates a video game based on the war. The film delves into themes of memory, history, and the impact of war on individuals. Laura becomes consumed by her research and the tragic events of the war, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

In a mental institution the patients see themselves as people like Jesus, Lázaro, Marta, Maria, Adão, Eve, Sonia, Raskolnikov, Aliosha e Ivan Karamasov, a Philosopher, a Profet, Santa Teresa d'Avila, reciting the Divine Comedy.

A War in Hollywood is a documentary that explores the role of Hollywood in producing war propaganda films during the Spanish Civil War. It delves into the stories of screenwriters, filmmakers, and journalists who worked in the film industry during that era. The documentary also discusses the impact of the McCarthy era and the Franco regime on the Hollywood film industry.

News from Ideological Antiquity: Marx - Eisenstein - The Capital is a documentary that explores the relationship between legendary filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein and the influential philosopher Karl Marx. The film delves into their intellectual connection and examines the impact of Marx's ideas on Eisenstein's filmmaking.

An exploration of the world and the work of the most international Catalan filmmaker through the director's entomological vision and his portrayal of the characters and themes he loves and hates.

An analysis of the social upheaval of May 1968, made in the immediate wake of the workers’ and students’ protests. The picture consists of two parts, each with with identical image tracks, and differing narration.

Two decades on from Cinema of Unease, Tim Wong’s essay film contemplates the prevailing image of a national cinema while privileging some of the images and image-makers displaced by the popular view of filmmaking in Aotearoa. Now streaming for free at: films.lumiere.net.nz

The Last Bolshevik is a documentary film about the life and work of a Russian filmmaker during the era of Stalinism. It explores the struggles and challenges faced by the filmmaker, who continued to create movies despite censorship and political pressure. The film provides a glimpse into the history of the Soviet Union and the impact of Stalinist policies on the arts and culture.

JLG/JLG: Self - Portrait in December is a 1994 documentary film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The film is a self-portrait in which Godard reflects on his own artistic creation and explores themes of self-reflection. It is an experimental film and a film-essay that delves into the complexities of the creative process and the nature of cinema.