What Is Cinema?

What Is Cinema? is a fascinating 2013 documentary that digs deep into the art of filmmaking, posing the titular question to a host of iconic figures from the world cinema. The film is notably characterized by interviews with acclaimed directors and film historians, including Chantal Akerman, Robert Altman, and Peter Bogdanovich who act as principal players.

Directed by film historian and critic Chuck Workman, the documentary is a veritable treasure trove for cinephiles. By delving into the minds of these influential individuals, the film illuminates what makes cinema so unique, so beloved, so awe-inspiring. It doesn't seek a one-size-fits-all answer–after all, cinema is as varied as the people drawn to it. Instead, it revels in individual perspectives and insights, recognizing that each person's understanding of cinema is colored by their distinct experiences.

What Is Cinema? is structured around a series of interviews with these major film directors, each of whom provides intriguing insights into the cinematic art form based on their personal experiences and philosophies. This stunning documentary brings together a diverse group of filmmakers and contributors, each hailing from different corners of the world and representing a wide array of cinematic styles and flavors. While the cast list might read like a who's who of the global film industry, their richly varied perspectives ensure that the documentary maintains a wonderfully multifaceted approach to its central question.

Robert Altman, known for his distinctive direction style, paints a picture of cinema that reflects his preference for authentic, layered narratives. Chantal Akerman, with her avant-garde perspective, opines on the form's complexity and its capacity for non-linear storytelling. Similarly, Peter Bogdanovich offers his thoughts grounded in his rich history in both acting and directing.

The film further amplifies its exploration of cinematic artistry by including numerous clips from masterpieces of world cinema. These iconic scenes serve as illustrations of different responses to the film's central question. They remind us that while cinema can indeed be analyzed and discussed in the abstract, it ultimately exists in the reels of film, in the haunting performances, unforgettable narratives, and striking visual compositions.

What Is Cinema? leaps beyond simple narration and analysis, paying homage to the magic of cinema through its nuanced collage of expert insights, classic film clips, and filmic techniques, providing snapshots of its multilayered history. Through its varied structure, the documentary revisits the evolution of this art form, examining the transformative moments as well as the more subtle shifts in style and technique.

In doing so, the film presents a compelling case for the importance of cinema in modern cultural life. It doesn't shy away from exploring the challenges facing the industry, from the rise of digital media to the changing attitudes towards classical narratives. Yet, it continually circles back to the heart of what makes cinema so fascinating – its capacity for universal resonance, its ability to provoke deep emotion, and its power to conjure alternate realities.

Workman adroitly balances the film with his sophisticated filmmaking style, blending intellectual components with emotional ones to resonate with a wide audience - from seasoned moviegoers to recent entrants in the world of cinema. He manages to connect individual perspectives, creating an insightful narrative that feels both broad and intimate.

His own belief in cinema shines through, as does his respect for the many talented people who have contributed to it over the years. There is an undercurrent of reverence running throughout the documentary–both from Workman himself and his subjects–that adds a humbling, somewhat awe-inspiring dimension to the film.

In conclusion, What Is Cinema? is more than just a passive viewing experience. Much like the medium it explores, it invites viewers to engage, to think, and to feel. It is sure to enthrall dedicated movie buffs while also providing an accessible entry point for novices looking to understand more about the fascinating world of cinema. This film is an engaging, poignant, and nuanced exploration of cinema that hones in on both the art and the heart of the medium, inviting audiences along for a captivating ride through movie history. Embracing the complexities and contradictions that come with this question, it eventually settles on the idea that cinema – at its most fundamental level – is an art form that celebrates human experiences in all their glorious diversity.