The Machine That Made Us

The 2008 documentary "The Machine That Made Us" is a multi-layered film that combines historical reenactment, travelogue, interviews, and practical demonstrations, helmed by the charismatic and humorous Stephen Fry. The film provides an in-depth narrative of an innovation that has significantly transformed the course of civilization – the Gutenberg Printing Press.

In this engaging and detailed film, actor and comedian Stephen Fry takes us through the origins, development, and lasting influence of the printing press. This semi-historical documentary sets out with Fry aiming to rebuild Johannes Gutenberg's revolutionary invention, and in so doing, unravels the fascinating journey of the machine that shaped modern society.

The film begins with an exploration of the humble origins of Johannes Gutenberg, a goldsmith by trade, and the prevailing state of affairs in 15th-century Europe. As the narrative progresses, Fry immerses himself, not only in the intricacies of Gutenberg’s mechanical invention but also in the epoch’s cultural and societal turmoil. From Gutenberg's challenges with the church and creditors to the socio-political climate in the cities where Gutenberg worked, the movie accurately illustrates the rich context during the genesis of the printing press.

Alongside the historical depiction, "The Machine that Made Us" is also a journey film. We see Fry travelling from France, England, and eventually to Germany, exploring places that played pivotal roles in Gutenberg’s life and the rise of his revolutionary invention. Radiating with Fry's infectiously energetic and humorous personality, these unique parts of the film bring life to traditional historical documentary format.

What diversifies "The Machine That Made Us" from many other historical documentaries is Fry's hands-on approach to conveying the tale. Further to simply narrating the story, Fry gets personally involved in reconstructing a working model of Gutenberg’s original printing press. We get to see the tremendous labour, toil, and genius behind the conception of the printing press as Fry and a team of experts piece together a 15th-century printing press - based solely on extant records, writings and few preserved remnants of the machine itself.

Another intriguing facet of the film comes in the form of interviews with experts. Insightful dialogues with historians, academics, engineers, and craftspeople delves into the fundamental details of the machine, its creation and its impact. Barbara Rupp, a Gutenberg Museum specialist, and Cornelia Schneider, an expert in medieval culture, are notable figures in these interviews. They offer academic perspectives and fascinating facts, enriching this historical journey with layers of authentic, scholarly commentary.

“The Machine That Made us” is far from a dry historical documentary - it is truly an engaging and vivid narrative. Stephen Fry's dynamic storytelling, laced with captivating adventures and charming humor, coats the academic exploration of the Gutenberg press with an enjoyable, relatable accessibility. This film unravels the complexities of a vital part of our civilization's past and tells the tale of the machine that truly made us – the Gutenberg Printing Press.

From demonstrating the significance of typecasting, ink making, paper production, to exemplifying the profound socio-cultural revolution brought about by the printing press, the documentary sheds light on a myriad of intriguing facets of our past.

In conclusion, "The Machine That Made Us" stands as a noteworthy documentary that combines the serious and scholarly aspects of historical research with the wit and charm of Stephen Fry's presentation style. The film is an enlightening and delightful exploration of the history and influence of the Gutenberg Press – a machine that paved the way for the information age and irrevocably shaped modern society.

Whether you are an enthusiast of history, technology, societal evolution, or simply a fan of Stephen Fry's engaging storytelling, "The Machine that Made Us" serves as a compelling watch. It is not just a film about the past; it's a narrative about our present and how a different understanding of history can shape our perception of the world today.