De Palma (Movie)

2 Min Read
Title — De Palma
Available on — Hulu, Google Play, HBO Max, Prime Video
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2015
Iconoclastic film director Brian DePalma takes a look back at the production of such classic movies as "Carrie," "Scarface" and "The Untouchables."

đŸĒļ 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)

đŸ’Ŧ 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

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  • De Palma (film) - Wikipedia

    107 minutes Country United States Language English Box office $168,045

    De 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.

  • De Palma (2015) - IMDb

    Did you know

    • TriviaPaltrow and Baumbach filmed Brian De Palma for one week in 2010, collecting about 30 hours worth of interview footage. De Palma, sitting in Paltrow’s living room and talking about his career, wore the same shirt every day for continuity’s sake. But the movie ended up premiering in 2015 and the director made another movie years after the interview, which explains why when he talks about Passion the viewer only hears his voice but doesn’t see him talking.
    • GoofsFemme Fatale (2002)’s release date is incorrectly listed as 2000, both in the body of the film and in the end credits.
    • SoundtracksDe Palma (Main Title Theme)Written by Nathan JohnsonCourtesy of Choplogic MusicUnder license from Nathan Johnson

    Featured review

  • Brian De Palma Filmography - IMDb

    • 19691h 32mNot Rated4.7 (1.6K)DirectorBrian De PalmaWilford LeachCynthia MunroeStarsValda SetterfieldRaymond McNallyJohn BraswellSee Robert DeNiro in his first starring role in Brian DePalma’s wildly comic first feature The Wedding Party!
    • 19681h 20m5.4 (1.1K)DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsAndra AkersWilliam FinleyMargo NortonNaive young Karen wants to help her struggling amateur-filmmaker boyfriend Christopher raise enough money so he can divorce his wife. Meanwhile, jolly psycho prankster Otto stalks the building where Christopher is shooting a low-grade adult movie in order to keep himself afloat.
    • 19681h 28mR5.7 (4K)DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsJonathan WardenRobert De NiroGerrit GrahamThree friends in New York City discuss how to dodge the draft and Vietnam, JFK’s assassination, voyeurism, computer dating, and everything else.
    • 19701h 25mX5.1 (430)DirectorBrian De PalmaRobert FioreBruce Joel RubinStarsRemi BarclaySamuel BlazerJason BosseauFilmed stageplay based on the ancient greek play The Bacchae written by Euripides. This play is performed by members of The Performance Group, an NYC experimental theater group who has made their own personal adaptation of this ancient text. Filmed by Brian DePalma.
    • 19701h 27mR6.1 (5.9K)DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsRobert De NiroAllen GarfieldLara ParkerA Vietnam vet moves into an apartment and peers through other people’s windows across the street, meets one of the women, and discovers Black theater.
    • 19721h 31mR5.2 (1K)DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsTom SmothersJohn AstinKatharine RossA young business executive hates the direction his life is taking, and decides to make some changes. He becomes a struggling (but happy) tap-dancing magician. His old boss is financially ruined, but finds a way to bounce back by commercialising his career change.
    • 19721h 33mR6.9 (21K)70MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsMargot KidderJennifer SaltCharles DurningA small-time reporter tries to convince the police she saw a murder in the apartment across from hers.
    • 19741h 31mPG7.3 (23K)67MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsPaul WilliamsWilliam FinleyJessica HarperA disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise.
    • 19761h 38mPG6.7 (12K)59MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsCliff RobertsonGeneviève BujoldJohn LithgowA wealthy New Orleans businessman becomes obsessed with a young woman who resembles his wife.
    • 19761h 38mR7.4 (208K)86MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsSissy SpacekPiper LaurieAmy IrvingCarrie White, a shy, friendless teenage girl who is sheltered by her domineering, religious mother, unleashes her telekinetic powers after being humiliated by her classmates at her senior prom.
    • 19781h 58mR6.3 (17K)64MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsKirk DouglasJohn CassavetesCarrie SnodgressA former CIA agent uses the talents of a young psychic to help retrieve his telekinetic son from a shadowy secret government agency.
    • 19791h 30mPG5.0 (1K)DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsNancy AllenMary DavenportKirk DouglasKeith Gordon is a creative young man who films the oddball doings of his family and peers. “The Maestro” appears frequently to give him pointers on his techniques. It’s almost a film about a young man making the film.
    • 19801h 44mR7.1 (49K)74MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsMichael CaineAngie DickinsonNancy AllenA mysterious blonde woman kills one of a psychiatrist’s patients, and then goes after the high-class call girl who witnessed the murder.
    • 19811h 48mR7.4 (64K)86MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsJohn TravoltaNancy AllenJohn LithgowA movie sound recordist accidentally records the evidence that proves that a car accident was actually murder and consequently finds himself in danger.
    • 19832h 50mR8.3 (923K)65MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsAl PacinoMichelle PfeifferSteven BauerIn 1980 Miami, a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed.
    • 19841h 54mR6.8 (39K)69MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsCraig WassonMelanie GriffithGregg HenryA young actor’s obsession with spying on a beautiful woman who lives nearby leads to a baffling series of events with drastic consequences.
    • 19861h 40mR5.6 (6.4K)62MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsDanny DeVitoJoe PiscopoHarvey KeitelHarry Valentini and Moe Dickstein are both errand boys for the Mob. When they lose two hundred fifty thousand dollars, they are set up to kill each other. But they run off to Atlantic City, and comedy follows.
    • 19871h 59mR7.8 (332K)79MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsKevin CostnerSean ConneryRobert De NiroDuring Prohibition, Treasury agent Eliot Ness sets out to stop ruthless Chicago gangster Al Capone, and assembles a small, incorruptible team to help him.
    • 19891h 53mR7.1 (48K)75MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsMichael J. FoxSean PennDon HarveyDuring the Vietnam War, a soldier finds himself the outsider of his own squad when they unnecessarily kidnap a female villager.
    • 19902h 5mR5.6 (27K)27MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsTom HanksBruce WillisMelanie GriffithAfter his mistress runs over a young teen, a Wall Street hotshot sees his life unravel in the spotlight and attracts the interest of a down-and-out reporter.
    • 19921h 32mR6.1 (18K)42MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsJohn LithgowLolita DavidovichSteven BauerThe oncologist wife of a prominent child psychologist suspects her husband has an unhealthy scientific obsession with their child, unaware of what – or who – is really going on inside his head.
    • 19932h 24mR7.9 (234K)66MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsAl PacinoSean PennPenelope Ann MillerA Puerto Rican former convict, just released from prison, pledges to stay away from drugs and violence despite the pressure around him and lead on to a better life outside of N.Y.C.
    • 19961h 50mPG-137.2 (473K)59MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsTom CruiseJon VoightEmmanuelle BÊartAn American agent, under false suspicion of disloyalty, must discover and expose the real spy without the help of his organization.
    • 19981h 38mR6.1 (87K)52MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsNicolas CageGary SiniseJohn HeardCorrupt Atlantic City police officer Rick Santoro and Navy Commander Kevin Dunn join forces to investigate both the assassination of Secretary of Defense Charles Kirkland and the disappearance of a beautiful stranger.
    • 20001h 54mPG5.7 (77K)34MetascoreDirectorBrian De PalmaStarsTim RobbinsGary SiniseDon CheadleWhen the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors.

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  • Brian De Palma's Films, Ranked | Features | Roger Ebert

    If you ever want to instigate an massive argument among cineastes, simply mention the name “Brian De Palma” and watch the sparks fly. In a career spanning nearly a half-century, De Palma has been gleefully provoking audiences with outrageous symphonies of sex, violence and twisted humor that have led observers to either celebrate him as a master of suspense with one of the most distinctive stylistic touches of any filmmaker working today or dismiss him as a derivative hack who stole everything he knows from the works of Alfred Hitchcock, has an attitude towards women that is borderline misogynistic and could not tell a coherent story to save his life.

  • All 29 Brian De Palma Movies Ranked From Worst To Best

    24. Get to Know Your Rabbit (1972)A challenging film for De Palma, he had to prove his status as a skilled up-and-coming filmmaker to both leads Tom Smothers and the legendary Orson Welles in this seldom seen early effort that often feels like a Bananas-era Woody Allen pratfall comedy with the drollery of Monty Python stirred into the mix. And while much of Get to Know Your Rabbit doesn’t work all that well, it’s a eccentric oddity all the same.

⚠ī¸ 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.

đŸ‘Ē 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.

đŸ“ē 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.
    Brian De Palma
  • I spent most of my time in a Quaker school.
    Brian De Palma

🤖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

❓ 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”:

  1. Sisters (1972) : A psychological thriller about twin sisters with a telepathic connection.
  2. Phantom of the Paradise (1974) : A rock musical horror comedy film about a disfigured composer.
  3. Blow Out (1981) : A thriller where a sound effects technician accidentally records a political assassination.
  4. Body Double (1984) : A thriller about a struggling actor who becomes entangled in a murder plot.
  5. Casualties of War (1989) : A war drama based on true events during the Vietnam War.
  6. Domino (2019) : De Palma’s last film, a crime thriller involving a Copenhagen police officer.

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