The Best Documentaries of 2014
Because documentaries can be so bloody good - at times, even way better than scripted feature films.
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- DirectorTodd Douglas MillerStarsStan AdelsteinLanice ArcherRobert BakkerA documentary about the discovery of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found.Cleverly assembled to tell a complex true story from a hugely engaging perspective, this documentary can't help but spark a sense of righteous rage in the audience. The film outlines a series of deeply unjust events involving a group of true believers who had their finest achievement stolen from them by greedy, lying neighbors and meddling politicians. Honestly, who knew paleontology was such a cut-throat business?
It was the summer of 1990 in the Badlands of South Dakota when paleontologist Susan Hendrickson discovered the fossilized remains of a T-rex, the thirteenth discovered and by far the most complete specimen of such gargantuan fossil. None of the previous 12 were more than 40% complete. With her colleagues Peter and Neal Larson and Terry Wentz, Susan purchased the rights to Sue for a record US $5,000 from the landowner; then the team spent a year getting the fossil ready for exhibition at their local museum. But before they finished, the FBI raided their lab and confiscated Sue, and seven years of legal arguments followed. Even worse, the prosecutors drummed up unnecessary criminal charges against the paleontologists.
"Dinosaur 13" is a David and Goliath tale of a small group of scientists thrust into the center of a national debate over proprietorship, as well as right versus wrong. Miller’s film very clearly justifiably sides with the Institute and, most specifically, Peter Larson, who bore the brunt of the government’s anger. The dedication and tenacity of these lowly scientists is seriously inspiring in the face of such overwhelming oppression. Yes, this amazing story resonates far beyond a tale about dinosaur bones: this is a vivid account of a small group of common people with minimal resources standing up to an unjust system and nefarious, duplicitous characters. The film dutifully focuses on the people involved, highlighting the grassroots efforts to see justice prevail for Sue, as the small town rallies around their neighbors, and tries to exert pressure on the government to do the right thing. And seeing so much human compassion in the face of bold-faced greed and blatant abuse of power is remarkably inspiring.
"Dinosaur 13" is a compelling, curious, and thought-provoking documentary. It’s hard not to feel for Larson and his team, and for the institute’s South Dakota home town, which felt like it lost the dinosaur that was going to bring in tourism and put it on the map. - DirectorLaura PoitrasStarsEdward SnowdenGlenn GreenwaldWilliam BinneyA documentarian and a reporter travel to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden.Part real-life thriller, part sobering examination of 21st century civil liberties, “Citizenfour” transcends an earnest ideology to offer riveting, must-see cinema. Designed with taste, this is a front row seat for camera-shy Edward Snowden’s bombshell – as educational and insightful as it’s nerve-racking and thought-provoking.
Filmmaker Laura Poitras paints a frankly terrifying picture of the loss of liberty through widespread government intrusion and gathering of communication done by ordinary folk on a daily basis. The film leaves no doubt that the methodical mining of everyday communication from people the government has no reason to suspect of terrorism actually exists. Much of the film consists of footage of Snowden explaining the range and depth of American data-mining to an increasingly horrified Greenwald – the journalist who firmly stood with Snowden and had the gumption to publish all of the U.S. government’s myriad dirty secrets. This interaction between the two also offers an absorbing character study of Snowden. Here’s a truly courageous individual that put his credibility, identity, flourishing career, financial stability, social standing, and even his own life and family at risk to reveal a dark, carefully-guarded secret to the world.
“Citizenfour” is an alarming and terrifying expose that works as both a tense, real-life espionage thriller and as a thoroughly engrossing documentary. It all sounds like prophecy now, given the way things turned out. Yet, despite all its paranoia, the movie does offer a glimmer of optimism. - DirectorAlastair FothergillKeith ScholeyAdam ChapmanStarsJohn C. ReillyA documentary that follows an Alaskan bear family as its young cubs are taught life's most important lessons.Following a year in the life of a brown bear (Sky) and her two cubs (Scout and Amber), we watch as they emerge from their den and go on an incredible journey for food that has them facing such dangers as avalanches, wolves, and even other alpha-male bears. It all comes down to a battle for survival as Sky desperately tries to find enough food to provide for her cubs to carry them through the next hibernation.
“Bears” is a touching documentary that just goes to show how sometimes films with the simplest themes make for the most engaging experiences. It also manages to get quite tense in places; frequent long-shot vistas of fields and waterways harbor a succession of threats, which are freely milked for suspense.
We’re treated to the gorgeous backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, made all the more amazing by the dazzling cinematography. The films is a visual experience through and through, one that offers eye-popping delights at every turn.
With its touching story, beautiful scenery, and stunning camerawork, “Bears” becomes another worthwhile documentary in the Disneynature library. Kids and adults alike will be drawn into the plight of Sky and her cubs as they trek across the Alaskan wilderness in search of nourishment while facing down whatever stands in their way.