Casting By

Casting By is a profound and insightful documentary film that captures and highlights the underrecognized role of casting directors in the film industry. The film, released in 2012, features renowned casting personalities such as Deborah Aquila, Risa Bramon Garcia, and Ellen Chenoweth.

Casting By is not just a descriptive exploration of the casting process but is more significantly a celebration of the unsung heroes in the industry – the casting directors. The director Tom Donahue navigates through the labyrinth of the casting world, from its emergence in the 1960s to its present-day essentiality in Hollywood and the broader world of cinema.

Deborah Aquila, known for her remarkable roles in films like La La Land, The Shawshank Redemption, Jackie Brown, and several others, shares her experiences and perspectives on the casting process. Similarly, Risa Bramon Garcia, who holds several acclaimed films like Speed, The Joy Luck Club, and Natural Born Killers to her credit, adds intriguing layers to the narrative by giving us insight into the life-changing decisions she and her colleagues have made.

The film also showcases the work of Ellen Chenoweth, widely recognized for her contributions to films like No Country for Old Men, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and True Grit. The interviews of these talented individuals give us a glimpse of their exquisite craftsmanship and the ability to spot the potential and talent in aspiring actors.

These casting visionaries occupy a unique position in the filmmaking process, acting as a bridge between the director's creative vision and the actor's delivery of a character. Their influence is monumental, yet often overlooked, making them the covert architects of many unforgettable screen performances.

Digging deeper and revisiting the history of Hollywood and the broader film world, Casting By pays tribute to iconic casting director Marion Dougherty, who began her career in the 1940s in New York City and later moved to Los Angeles. Dougherty’s contributions to the industry are influential, paradigm-shifting she was instrumental in discovering actors like James Dean, Robert Redford, and Glenn Close, among others. Still, her position remained marginalized within the industry’s hierarchy.

Through the lens of this pioneer, the film emphasizes the significance of such figures in the industry, who are involved in the process of finding new talent and giving them the opportunity to shine. Through the course of the film, one realizes that while directors and writers focus on unfolding the story, casting directors concentrate on the individuals who help in bringing those stories to life.

Casting By also stimulates intriguing dialogues about the broader film industry, socio-political issues within the system, and the dichotomy of commercial success versus creative integrity. It highlights concerns such as gender and racial disparities that exist behind the camera. The film helps us understand that casting isn't just about matching an actor's appearance to a role, but also about understanding the complexities of the script, discerning the director's vision, and placing the right talent in the right place.

One of the recurring motifs within the film is the respect and admiration expressed by a host of stars - Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Bette Midler, among others - reflective of the central and crucial role that casting directors tend to play in the rise of successful careers. The film hence becomes an ode not only to individual casting directors but also to the profession as such.

Casting By is not only educational but also entertaining, filled with behind-the-scenes tales and nostalgic clips from classic films and series, packed with interviews from industry stalwarts, making it a must-watch for those invested in the magic of cinema and curious about its inner workings.

In essence, Casting By gives us a riveting look into the profession that has long been overshadowed but has contributed immensely to the world of cinema. Through the experiences, insights, and voices of giants in the field, the documentary illuminates how the art and craft of casting have shaped the industry and provides a much-needed recognition to the heroes behind the scenes.