If there is something that I really enjoy, it is a great documentary. Seeing the real life of someone else is vapidly more interesting than some made up tale that I’ve seen a thousand different ways. A true story is much more difficult to tell. While there are many great documentaries out there, these are five of the best ones seen by me, and I highly encourage all you readers to tune into. Most of them are available on Netflix, but the ones that are not are definitely worth tracking down.
5. ‘The September Issue’ (2009)
It is this edition of Vogue that matters most every year. Spending six months preparing for this one issue is no easy task. Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour is in charge and she takes viewers behind the scenes to watch the work that goes into the magazine. From gathering advertisers to figuring out the trends for the upcoming year way in advance, every moment counts while they have many photo shoots and tons of wardrobe changes. We see fashion shows in multiple countries, and what it takes to predict the future in this fast paced industry. I might be biased because I’m so personally interested in clothing and the industry, but this was an extremely interesting and informative flick that I would suggest you check out.
Can You Find It On Netflix? Yes
4. 180° South (2010)
If this cool climbing adventure doesn’t make you want to go out and scale the nearest summit nothing will. Featuring a soundtrack by the band Ugly Cassanova, the music puts you in great spirits as we follow Jeff Johnson on his journey to Patagonia. He follows the same trail as Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, who once went on the trip of a lifetime. In search of the same thrill, Jeff discovers the environmental troubles the men before him set out to fix. Encountering some travel troubles, he never once falters towards his destination. Truly inspiring and very informative, this is one to catch.
Can You Find It On Netflix? Yes
3. The World’s Most Dangerous Drug (2006)
What is it? Meth. With somewhat of an obsession with drug movies, I had to check this one out, and it didn’t disappoint. My roommate and I were excited to see that the film was just as gritty and real as we had expected, unlike some of the other drug documenterieas out there that aren’t as raw. This National Geographic docu is as real as it gets, taking viewers into the depths of the drug world and displaying just how dirty it can be. Showing the effects of meth, both on the body and the mind, former meth addicts, DEA agents, and doctors talk to us about the drug. This film certainly assured my path of avoiding drugs.
Can You Find It On Netflix? Yes
2. Exit Through The Gift Shop (2010)
A Banksy film, featuring interviews with the anonymous street artist, is about Mr. Brainwash, or Thierry Guetta as he is known before this breakthrough docu. Guetta is a self proclaimed filmmaker, who decided one day that he was going to start taping everything that happens in his life. His cousin, Space Invader, is a street artist that invited him along on a few tag runs. Falling in love with the graffiti world, he begins to follow other artists; he even begins to travel the world with them. In the end all the artists agreed to him being there, some of them insisting on remaining anonymous, but most of them not really caring. This is a great look into the world of street art, and with a fantastic twist at the end, it is more than worth your while.
Can You Find It On Netflix? Yes
1. American Movie (1999)
This Chris Smith docu is absolutely astonishing. Walking the line between hilarious and heart wrenching, we follow the life of filmmaker and Milwaukee native, Mark Borchardt, as he strings together his long awaited short horror film “Coven” (which he pronounces “Covan”). He takes us behind the scenes of his work and between his few jobs that he keeps to support his hobby. His strange drug addled best friend, Mike Schank delivers some great stories and life advice that I surely wouldn’t follow. Bordering on sad, Borchardt’s family problems and alcohol addiction really make you root for the guy. While his movies won’t ever earn him any money, his spirit makes you believe that’s not always what matters.
Can You Find It On Netflix? No
