Listen to Me Marlon (2015)
Not much more can be said beyond the fact that these documentary filmmakers wisely let their subjects tell the story. An honorable mention goes out to Errol Morris for almost everything he has ever created.
Listen to Me Marlon (2015) is directed by Stevan Riley. Miraculously, the late Marlon Brando left behind a treasure trove of autobiographical audio tapes. They are interspersed throughout this posthumous documentary, which tells the story of his fascinating and turbulent life.
The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)
The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002) is directed by Nanette Burstein. Robert Evans produced some of Hollywood’s most amazing films, such as The Godfather, Chinatown and Rosemary’s Baby, just to name a few. His larger-than-life personality comes through in a narration that only he could deliver.
Portrait of Jason (1967)
Portrait of Jason (1967) is directed by Shirley Clark. The camera is firmly fixed upon a smooth-talking Jason Holliday, who previously changed his name from Aaron Payne. His stories of hustling and surviving as a gay black man in the ’60s crescendo as he is taunted into more confessions.
The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins (1967)
The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins (1967) is directed by Les Blank. This wonderfully loose short film allows Hopkins to talk about the blues as he visits with friends, drinks and plays his music. The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins contains no pretense and, like Hopkins’ own music, feels completely authentic.
