Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film

Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film is a gripping 2012 documentary dramatically unfolds a year in the life of Polaroid's film in 2008. The film is directed by Grant Hamilton and features Layne Anderson, Sawyer Anderson, and Dave Bias among others in its cast. In an age where technology has made nostalgia a novel concept, this film looks back at the impact Polaroid had on photography and, in turn, the world.

The documentary focuses on several key players and their stake in Polaroid's legacy. Among them, Layne Anderson and Sawyer Anderson, both Polaroid enthusiasts, who are keen to ensure the art form remains alive. Dave Bias, on the other hand, is part of a group known as the "Impossible Project," a team of tenacious individuals who plan to recreate Polaroid film following the company's announcement of discontinuation.

In 2008, Polaroid announced the end of its instant film production. This announcement triggered a global uproar from a surprisingly large and passionate group of Polaroid lovers. People couldn't imagine a world without the iconic white-framed photos. This documentary elegantly captures that turmoil, that desperation and enshrines Polaroid's tangible magic that managed to touch people's hearts worldwide.

Time Zero starts with a comprehensive historical background of Polaroid, tracing its origins back to its founder, Edwin H. Land. Hamilton managed to encapsulate and simplify the great inventor’s complex mind making it digestible to the viewers. His genius, persistence, and perfectionist persona are all beautifully brought to life by a series of interviews and archival footage.

The film then shifts to landmarks in the journey of Polaroid film, its heydays, its shortcomings, the lawsuits and downfall, among others, painting a comprehensive picture of how it touched billions of lives around the world in its lifetime. It beautifully captures the euphoria followed by the fear and sadness of the enthusiasts when the announcement of discontinuation was made. Through interviews and anecdotes, it captures the universal love for Polaroid and the impact it had on photography and culture.

Passion, celebration, persistence, preservation are some of the core themes of this film. It gives voice to an international array of photographers, artists, industry professionals, and fans who remain loyal to the medium despite its uncertain future. They share their personal stories, reminisce about the past, express their concern for the present, and convey their hopes and fears for the future. The film is a celebration of instant photography and its enthusiasts.

The Impossible Project's challenging mission to save instant photography from extinction adds an adventurous arc to the movie. Their struggle, their determination, the obstacles they face, and their undying hope perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this film. They represent thousands of people worldwide who believe in the magic of Polaroid, the magic of holding a photograph, the magic of capturing a moment instantly and forever, all in the palm of your hand. It demonstrates what happens when technology changes and a passionate group of people stand to lose the medium they love.

Time Zero effectively serves as a time capsule, preserving a significant era in the history of photography, culture, and technology. The film is not just for photographers or Polaroid enthusiasts but for anyone who has ever felt a connection with a physical photograph, taken a Polaroid snapshot, or experienced the thrill of memories developing in front of their very eyes.

Its slick production, credible interviewees, meaningful sound bites, and the occasional use of Polaroid images infuses the film with an air of authenticity and passion rarely seen in such projects. The movie is a visual feast, with thousands of beautiful, meaningful, and nostalgic Polaroid photographs included throughout. It is a profound examination of our relationship with the tangible in an increasingly digital age.

Visually striking and emotionally stirring, Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film is a must-watch. This heartwarming tribute to an iconic piece of photographic history is a testament to the power of nostalgia and the undying human spirit to sustain the things they love. A sheer blend of history, emotion, adventure, and art, it offers a lens into what was, what is, and what might be the fate of the magic white-framed moment capturer we all know and love as Polaroid.