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Story & Synopsis
“De Palma” is a captivating 2015 American documentary film directed by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow that delves into the illustrious career of the legendary director and screenwriter Brian De Palma. The documentary offers a deep dive into De Palma’s extensive body of work, showcasing clips from his iconic films and featuring insights from his frequent collaborators like Al Pacino, John Lithgow, Tom Cruise, Sean Penn, and many more.
The film takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through De Palma’s filmography, exploring classics such as “Sisters,” “Obsession,” “Carrie,” “Dressed to Kill,” “Blow Out,” “Scarface,” “The Untouchables,” “Carlito’s Way,” and “Mission: Impossible.” Through interviews and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the audience gets a glimpse into the creative genius behind these cinematic masterpieces.
Directed by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow, “De Palma” offers a rare and intimate look into the life and career of a filmmaker whose work has left an indelible mark on the industry. The documentary not only celebrates De Palma’s contributions to cinema but also sheds light on the challenges and triumphs he faced throughout his journey in the world of filmmaking.
From horror to crime dramas, De Palma’s diverse range of films has garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Despite never personally receiving an Oscar nomination, his films have often been in the spotlight during award seasons, with notable successes like “The Untouchables” earning Academy Awards recognition.
“De Palma” paints a comprehensive portrait of a visionary filmmaker whose passion for storytelling has shaped the landscape of cinema for decades. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to De Palma’s work, this documentary is sure to captivate and inspire, offering a glimpse into the mind of a true cinematic maestro.
Cast & Crew
Brian De Palma
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Robert De Niro | Lead role in Greetings (1968) |
| Sissy Spacek | Lead role in Carrie (1976) |
| Piper Laurie | Supporting role in Carrie (1976) |
| John Travolta | Supporting role in Carrie (1976) |
| Michael Caine | Lead role in Dressed to Kill (1980) |
| Angie Dickinson | Supporting role in Dressed to Kill (1980) |
| Al Pacino | Lead role in Scarface (1983) |
| Kevin Costner | Lead role in The Untouchables (1987) |
| Sean Connery | Supporting role in The Untouchables (1987) |
| Bruce Willis | Role in The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) |
| Morgan Freeman | Role in The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) |
| Tom Cruise | Lead role in Mission: Impossible (1996) |
| Jon Voight | Supporting role in Mission: Impossible (1996) |
| Nicolas Cage | Lead role in Snake Eyes (1998) |
| Michael J. Fox | Lead role in Casualties of War (1989) |
| Sean Penn | Supporting role in Casualties of War (1989) |
| Sean Penn | Lead role in Carlito’s Way (1993) |
Reviews and feedback
Welcome to the wild world of cinema where every frame tells a story, every scene holds a secret, and every director’s journey is as intriguing as a suspense thriller. Today, we delve into the realm of legendary filmmaker Brian De Palma through the lens of his captivating documentary, “De Palma.” Strap in, grab your popcorn, and let’s unravel the enigmatic world of this cinematic maestro.
Imagine a rollercoaster ride through thirty films directed by the maestro himself – Brian De Palma. From horror classics like “Carrie” to crime dramas such as “Scarface” and “The Untouchables,” De Palma has carved his name in Hollywood history with each movie leaving an indelible mark on cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
Now, fast forward to his latest endeavors post-2019’s “Domino,” which unfortunately didn’t receive the acclaim it aimed for. Despite this setback, De Palma plunged into new projects with scripts ready and financing secured, showcasing his unwavering passion for storytelling even after decades in the industry.
- Plot and Themes: “De Palma” offers a candid glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller. As we witness De Palma unraveling his creative process and reflecting on his iconic films, we are taken on a nostalgic journey through the themes of obsession, betrayal, and redemption that permeate his works. The documentary serves as a love letter to cinema, exploring the nuances of filmmaking through De Palma’s unfiltered perspective.
- Acting and Characters: While most documentaries focus on actors’ performances, “De Palma” shifts the spotlight to the man behind the camera. With Brian De Palma himself as the central figure, audiences are treated to an intimate portrayal of a visionary director whose passion for storytelling knows no bounds. His anecdotes and insights breathe life into each character he has brought to screen over the years.
- Direction and Cinematography: Directed by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow, “De Palma” captures the essence of its subject with finesse. The seamless blend of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips from De Palma’s films creates a visually compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The cinematography pays homage to De Palma’s signature style while offering a fresh perspective on his illustrious career.
- Production Design and Special Effects: From split screens to slow-motion sequences, Brian De Palma is known for pushing boundaries when it comes to production design and special effects. “De Palma” delves into his innovative techniques that have shaped modern filmmaking, highlighting his meticulous attention to detail and quest for visual perfection.
- Editing and Pace: The pacing of “De Palma” mirrors the tension-building sequences prevalent in De Palma’s own films. The seamless editing keeps viewers hooked as they navigate through pivotal moments in his career. Each cut serves a purpose, propelling the narrative forward while maintaining a sense of intrigue that keeps audiences guessing what cinematic gem awaits them next.
Binge-watching Tip: Dive deeper into Brian De Palma’s filmography before watching “De Palma” to fully appreciate the genius behind each frame and gain insight into his evolution as a filmmaker.
As you embark on this cinematic journey with Brian De Palma as your guide, prepare to be enthralled by his storytelling prowess that transcends time and genre boundaries. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or someone discovering De Palma’s work for the first time, this documentary promises an immersive experience like no other.
In conclusion, “De Palma” is not just a documentary; it’s a testament to one man’s passion for storytelling and dedication to his craft. It invites audiences to step behind the curtain and witness firsthand the magic that unfolds when creativity meets vision. So grab your seat in this cinematic rollercoaster ride curated by one of Hollywood’s finest directors – Brian De Palma.
Ratings: 9/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Frank and candid portrayal of Brian De Palma | Does not delve deep into personal life |
| Engaging and alarming documentary style | May lack in-depth analysis of his filmography |
| Highly engaging with scenes from many of his movies | Focus primarily on De Palma talking to the camera |
| Consistently engaging and enthralling | May not offer new insights for De Palma enthusiasts |
| Suitable for fans of Brian De Palma’s work | Not a comprehensive exploration of his entire career |
Feedback
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De Palma (film) - Wikipedia
107 minutes Country United States Language English Box office $168,045De Palmais a 2015 American documentary film directed by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow about the director and screenwriter Brian De Palma. The documentary features clips from his films starring various frequent collaborators like Al Pacino, John Lithgow, Tom Cruise, Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, Michael Caine, John Travolta and various others.
Release
It had its world premiere at the 72nd edition of the Venice Film Festival, where it screened out of competition.
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De Palma (2015) - IMDb
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Brian De Palma Filmography - IMDb
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Brian De Palma's Films, Ranked | Features | Roger Ebert
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All 29 Brian De Palma Movies Ranked From Worst To Best
Explanation (Spoiler)
In Brian De Palma’s “Passion,” viewers are taken on a thrilling ride through the world of an international P.R. firm in Germany, where appearances are pristine but the machinations are dirty. The film revolves around the power play between two women, Christine (played by Rachel McAdams) and Isabelle (played by Noomi Rapace), who initially appear to have a harmonious working relationship.
The story unfolds as Isabelle creates a groundbreaking ad campaign for a smartphone, only to have Christine steal the credit for it, leading to a coveted promotion. When Isabelle’s raw and radical version of the campaign goes viral, she is offered the promotion instead. This reversal of fortune incites Christine to embark on a vicious path of revenge, aiming to publicly and privately shame her rival.
Notably, “Passion” is a remake of the 2010 French thriller “Love Crime,” but De Palma infuses the story with his signature style, elevating it into a full-fledged De Palma film. One significant change De Palma makes is portraying Christine and Isabelle as closer in age, adding a layer of complexity to their dynamic.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers are treated to unexpected twists and turns, leading to a finale that challenges perceptions and forces a reevaluation of everything that came before. De Palma masterfully weaves together elements of voyeurism, media manipulation, and compelling female characters, creating a visually stunning and suspenseful experience.
Through the expert contributions of cinematographer Jose Luis Alcaine, editor Francois Gedigier, and composer Pino Donaggio, De Palma crafts a hypnotic atmosphere where reality and nightmare blur. The film’s central sequence, a split-screen set-piece set to Debussy’s “Afternoon of a Faun,” showcases De Palma’s prowess in generating suspense.
Furthermore, “Passion” pays homage to De Palma’s earlier works, incorporating references to his cult classics like “Sisters” and infusing the film with his unique cinematic flair. This personal touch sets “Passion” apart, demonstrating that it was crafted by an individual with a distinct vision.
In essence, “Passion” is a captivating thriller that combines De Palma’s seasoned expertise with the vigor of a newcomer, resulting in a film that is both satisfying for long-time fans and engaging for newcomers to his cinematic world.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
R
Age Rating: R
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity:
The movie “De Palma” contains strong sexual content. Both female leads are shown sleeping with the same man. The sexual scenes are explicit and provocative.
Violence & Gore:
There is one murder scene in the movie with neck-slicing and spurting blood. Additionally, there are other scenes of simmering violence throughout the film.
Profanity:
The film contains moderate profanity.
Overall Intensity:
“De Palma” is an erotic thriller with intense sexual content, violence, and some profanity. It is recommended for mature audiences due to its adult themes and graphic scenes.
Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Hulu | Add Max to any Hulu plan for an additional $15.99/month. |
| Google Play | Movies on Google Play. |
| HBO Max | Available to watch via streaming on HBO Max. |
| Prime Video | Available on Prime Video. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Scarface is basically the American Dream told through a gangster saga.
I spent most of my time in a Quaker school.
De Palma Reddit Talks
De Palma is a 2015 documentary about the life and work of American filmmaker Brian De Palma. The film is directed by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow, and features interviews with De Palma, as well as with many of his collaborators and critics.
The documentary is a comprehensive look at De Palma’s career, from his early days as a low-budget filmmaker to his later success as a Hollywood director. The film discusses De Palma’s influences, his working methods, and his controversial reputation.
One of the most striking things about De Palma is his visual style. He is known for his use of elaborate camera movements, split screens, and other visual effects. These techniques are often used to create a sense of suspense and unease in the viewer.
De Palma’s films are often controversial, and he has been accused of misogyny and violence. However, his films are also highly praised for their technical skill and their ability to entertain.
Some of the topics that are discussed in the documentary include:
- De Palma’s early influences, such as Alfred Hitchcock and Sergio Leone
- His working methods, including his use of storyboards and his insistence on multiple takes
- His controversial reputation, including his alleged misogyny and violence
- His legacy as one of the most important filmmakers of his generation
Overall, De Palma is a fascinating and informative documentary about one of the most important filmmakers of our time.
Here are some quotes from the documentary:
- “De Palma is a master of filmmaking.” – Martin Scorsese
- “He’s a visionary.” – Steven Spielberg
- “He’s a provocateur.” – Quentin Tarantino
- “He’s a genius.” – Brian De Palma
If you are a fan of Brian De Palma’s films, or if you are interested in the history of cinema, then I highly recommend watching De Palma.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/xgz5o9/my_brian_de_palma_film_ranking/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/flicks/comments/1b4sax9/best_and_worst_de_palma_films_and_why/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/17va5az/brian_de_palma/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/comments/1498rkf/can_someone_explain_why_they_love_brian_de_palma/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/l7dlzt/brian_de_palma_whats_good/
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Brian De Palma’s last film?
Brian De Palma’s last film was 2019’s “Domino”, which unfortunately was a critical and commercial failure. Despite this setback, he immediately started working on his next projects.
How many movies did Brian De Palma direct?
Brian De Palma is an American filmmaker who has directed a total of thirty films. His extensive body of work includes iconic movies such as Carrie (1976), Scarface (1983), The Untouchables (1987), and Mission: Impossible (1996).
What is Brian De Palma known for?
Brian De Palma is renowned as an American filmmaker whose career has spanned thirty films. He is recognized for his diverse range of work, including horror films, crime dramas, spy thrillers, and cult favorites.
Has Brian De Palma won an Oscar?
Despite several of his films being nominated for or winning Academy Awards, Brian De Palma himself has never been personally nominated for an Oscar. His contributions have been celebrated through the success of his films, such as “The Untouchables.”
Recommended Movie and TV Show
List of similar movies to “De Palma Movie”:
- Sisters (1972) : A psychological thriller about twin sisters with a telepathic connection.
- Phantom of the Paradise (1974) : A rock musical horror comedy film about a disfigured composer.
- Blow Out (1981) : A thriller where a sound effects technician accidentally records a political assassination.
- Body Double (1984) : A thriller about a struggling actor who becomes entangled in a murder plot.
- Casualties of War (1989) : A war drama based on true events during the Vietnam War.
- Domino (2019) : De Palma’s last film, a crime thriller involving a Copenhagen police officer.
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