Legendary AD

Legendary AD is a documentary film that takes the viewers behind the scenes of the movie industry, showing its audiences the inner workings of Hollywood epic making. Directed by Leonardo Corbucci, the 2016 cinematic piece features the lives and experiences of three of Hollywood's esteemed assistant directors - Arthur Anderson, Burt Bluestein, and William Paul Clark.

The movie opens by setting the stage of what an assistant director's role is in the film industry. This designation, although seemingly concealed behind the veil of grandeur, forms the backbone of the movie-making process. An assistant director is often engaged in decision-making executive roles, shaping the film's continuity, and overall direction, from scheduling to managing the cast and crew. They play a critical role in balancing the romanticized artistic vision of the director with the logistical realities of film production.

Featuring Anderson, Bluestein, and Clark, this documentary navigates these icons' extraordinary journey's on some of Hollywood's biggest sets. The trio, who have worked on massive productions like The Revenant, The Hateful Eight, Avatar, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series, provide a first-hand narrative of what it's like working behind these major productions scenes. Their rich experiences create a captivating narrative filled with unique insights, detailing the dramatic moments, the challenges, the victories, and the personal sacrifices that come with the job.

Arthur Anderson, the one-time assistant director to the iconic director James Cameron, reflects on his experience, engulfing the viewer in intriguing and amusing anecdotes from his time working on Titanic and Avatar. He takes us through the minutest details that go into creating the world's most expensive cinematic experiences, subtly stating that a film's grandeur is as much a result of the Assistant Director's management skills as it is of the indulgent budget.

Burt Bluestein delves into the more practical aspects with a realistic grind, highlighting the nitty-gritty of film production that often goes unnoticed. The satisfaction and the challenges that he encountered in his long tenure in assistant directing, including films like Ant-Man and Alice in Wonderland, form the subject of his narrative. He illuminates the sheer hard work and acute attention to detail required to bring these larger-than-life productions to life.

William Paul Clark, having worked with Quentin Tarantino, brings to the table a fresh perspective of what it's like working with some of the most eccentric and creative directors in the industry. Clark's experiences from The Hateful Eight, Inglorious Basterds, and Kill Bill push the boundary of storytelling in this documentary, as he shares his view of creating gritty, evocative, and often polarizing films.

The documentary is full of insightful interviews, gripping tales from the set, and a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to be a high-profile assistant director. The trials, tribulations, and triumphs are bound together in a captivating narrative supported by up-close-and-personal accounts that push the film beyond a regular 'behind the scenes' documentary.

What makes Legendary AD engaging is not just the cacophony of stories told through the eyes of these assistant directors but also the macroscopic lens through which the film industry is portrayed. Rather than offering a sugar-coated, glamorous representation, it brings out the struggles, the persistence, the unending hustle, and the relentless spirit that crafts the cinematic magic we see on the screens.

Legendary AD carves a niche through its compelling storytelling, combined with an honest portrayal of the filmmaking industry. It lends a human touch to the seemingly mechanical process of Hollywood and serves as a fitting tribute to the unsung heroes who play a vital role off-camera to make the on-camera magic possible. In essence, the documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of film production and getting a taste of Hollywood's real essence from the point of view of those orchestrating the grand show from behind the curtains.