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Side by Side (15)

Documentary

The documentary investigates the history, process and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation.

More information on this production is available at www.axiomfilms.co.uk.

The critical consensus

Keanu Reeves conducts the interviews with pleasing geniality and gets some unexpected titbits of interest.

***(*)(*)Anthony Quinn, The Independent, 14/02/2013

Is film dead? And should we care? It zooms in on the technical trees, but maybe sometimes fails to pull back and look at the forest of larger issues.

***(*)(*)Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 14/02/2013

The anecdotes linger, but Reeves’ militant impartiality blocks any major revelations.

David Jenkins, Little White Lies, 14/02/2013

Wherever you stand on the celluloid-versus-digital debate, Kenneally’s documentary, hosted by an endearingly affable Reeves, is well-researched, informative and absorbing, arguably marred only by the omnipresent underscore. Oh, and for the record: it was shot digitally.

****(*)David Hughes, 14/02/2013

Presented with charm and intelligence by its producer, Keanu Reeves, this useful documentary brings together some 40-odd articulate directors, cinematographers, editors, producers and technical innovators to discuss an issue as crucial as the invention of the motion picture in the 1890s and the coming of sound in the late 1930s, though less obviously dramatic to the general public.

Philip French, The Observer, 17/02/2013

At once a celebration of new technology and a lamentation of a passing one, Side by Side is oddly depressing to watch.

***(*)(*)Miles Fielder, The List, 18/02/2013

Keanu Reeves proves a surprisingly engaging host for this documentary inquiry into the ongoing transition from celluloid to digital filmmaking.

****(*)Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman, 07/03/2013

The ongoing film nerd discussion regarding technology and movies gets the big screen treatment – and proves surprisingly absorbing. Odder still, the likes of George Lucas and Steven Soderbergh are asked excellent questions by Keanu Reeves. Whoa!

****(*)Siobhan Synnot, The Scotsman, 10/03/2013

While Side By Side probably won’t interest casual cinemagoers who don’t give a hoot how movies are made, it provides a fascinating, informed and thought-provoking inside-look for films fans who do. Essential viewing for anyone interested in filmmaking or the unique sight of Keanu Reeves shooting the breeze with David Lynch.

Stephen Carty, Flix Capacitor, 13/03/2013


Features about Side by Side (15)

Keanu Reeves interview: the future of film and Bill and Ted

Alice Vincent, The Telegraph, 12/02/2013

Side by Side: Keanu Reeves examines the future of film

Genevieve Hassan, BBC, 15/02/2013

Where and when?

Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday March 8, 2013, until Monday March 11, 2013. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com

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