Side by Side

Side by Side is an insightful 2012 documentary film facilitated by renowned actor Keanu Reeves, featuring notable film industry veterans including Derek Ambrosi, Michael Ballhaus, and Andrzej Bartkowiak among others.

Directed by Chris Kenneally and produced by Reeves and Justin Szlasa, the project was conceived to explore the ongoing shift within the film industry etching a route from traditional celluloid film towards digital cinema. The film seeks to unravel the layers of technical, artistic, and pragmatic changes influencing the film industry's landscape, presenting a vast landscape delicately painted with personal anecdotes and expert insights.

In the landscape of ever-evolving technology, Side by Side chronicles the impact of digital technology on the process and artistry of filmmaking. Through engaging dialogues and interviews, it investigates the intrigue surrounding traditional photochemical film production as well as the surge in popularity of modern digital technologies. The film opens doors into the passionate debates about the merits and disadvantages of both formats, exploring not only the technical aspects but touching upon the subjective, emotional dimension that film adds to the storytelling.

Keanu Reeves, sometimes veiled as an interviewer, sometimes as a curious investigator, presents a saga that traverses the history of cinema and sheds light on its potential future. He elegantly converses with noted directors, cinematographers, editors, and other industry veterans, like Derek Ambrosi, known for his work on visual effects; Michael Ballhaus, a German cinematographer celebrated for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese; and Andrzej Bartkowiak, a Polish cinematographer famed for his work on powerhouses such as "The Verdict" and "Speed."

These industry professionals expound upon their experiences and perspectives, revealing their convictions about the craft of filmmaking – whether that entails embracing new technologies or adhering to the traditional film formats. Ambrosi, Ballhaus, and Bartkowiak, among others, offer varying takes on the debate, maintaining a balanced representation of perspectives within the film.

The documentary also crafts a narrative beyond the binary of film versus digital. It dives into crucial aspects of filmmaking – content creation, post-production, distribution – tackling how technological advancements have democratized the movie-making business, making it more accessible and feasible for independent creators. It proffers a comprehensive perspective on the impacts of the transition from celluloid to digital, unraveling everything from the advent and evolution of digital cinema to the profound influence it has wielded over contemporary cinematography, fictional narrative cinema, and documentary making.

The film serves as a canvas reflecting the current state of the motion picture industry – where big-budget studio productions, independent films, documentaries, and even personal home videos coexist side by side on the same digital framework. Eloquently maneuvering the complexities of the subject, the film fosters a thought-provoking discourse about the profound influence technology bears on today's cinematic storytelling.

Side by Side is a rare gem captivating the audiences not through a grandeur of storytelling, but rather through its exploration of the essence of storytelling itself. It delves into the world of movie-making, presenting an eye-opening analysis without siding with either party. The documentary targets not only industry professionals or film students but also cinema enthusiasts, making complex aspects of filmmaking comprehensible through layered storytelling and genuine conversations.

Despite its technical focus, Side by Side remains intimately grounded by the passion and reverence each contribution exhibits for the art of cinema, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the inner workings of the film industry. It serves as a critical piece of film documentation that mirrors industry giants’ diverse views while spurring audiences to contemplate the future of cinema in the digital age.