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In a time when the world is becoming more and more reliant on technology, Side by Side provides the type of rare behind-the-scenes footage that is entertaining, educational, and authentic as it examines the history and evolution
of photochemical film and its prospective extinction at the hands of digital technology.
Director Christopher Kenneally provides enough clout (he’s also an experienced post
production supervisor) to make what’s being said trustworthy. However, Kenneally is not even on screen, giving way to Keanu Reeves—yup, that Keanu Reeves—both to conduct the interviews and to narrate the educational segments. And if you thought that Kenneally and Reeves were enough to squelch any skepticism, they’re nothing compared to the names that are interviewed: Scorsese, Nolan, Rodriguez, Boyle, and Cameron to name just a few.
Out of all the interviews, all at least appear to be conducted by Reeves, and it’s quite entertaining to see his look change from interview to interview—which only serves to strengthen the film’s appeal by unintentionally emphasizing the amount of time committed to it. In addition to being easy on the eyes, Reeves has either a great personality or a fantastic interview style because his interviewees appear to be in more of a conversation with him than an interview, comfortably offering up their unvarnished opinions—with some even throwing in a personal story or two.
These opinions, combined with the much-needed explanations of how film and digital actually work, provide a deeper glimpse into an industry divided, leaving viewers wanting more after it ends. There is also a seemingly endless stream of interesting subtopics, ranging from the infinitely debatable benefits and disadvantages of digital and film to the technical ins and outs of digital editing and projection to more social issues, like the effects of CGI on the modern moviegoer. Getting to see where some of the most famous names in the business stand is just icing on the cake. In fact, one of the highlights is seeing how passionate and integral George Lucas is and has been in the fight to bring digital to the forefront, embroiling himself in no small amount of controversy in the process.
Digital technology is a hot-button topic with many in the movie making business—much hotter than I thought. So Side by Side was an eye-opener for me—and no doubt the most fun I’ve had learning anything in a long time. And Kenneally is smart enough not to get carried away with diagrams and incomprehensible technical jargon. He keeps it simple in format and language, allowing powerhouses in the industry to speak for themselves while inviting the viewer to become a part of the conversation.
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