Side by Side
A lively cinephile documentary uses filmmaker testimony to examine whether cinema’s future belongs to photochemical film, digital tools, or both.
Overview
Explore the evolution of filmmaking as traditional techniques clash with digital innovation.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- informative
- curious
- reflective
- cinephile evening
- film study
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an informative and even-handed exploration of cinema technology, helped by Keanu Reeves's engaging guidance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Keanu Reeves serves as host while directors, cinematographers, colorists, scientists, engineers, and artists explain film and digital workflows.
The interviews compare photochemical film and digital filmmaking while presenting the capabilities, needs, and innovations associated with both.
Filmmakers and technical specialists describe how image capture, color, workflow, and production technologies shape cinematic practice.
The film considers where filmmaking has come from, how digital tools are transforming production, and what the future may bring.
Films like Side by Side, and why
The Story of Film: An Odyssey
industry-focused documentary examining filmmaking craft through interviews with major directors and technical artists
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound
behind-the-scenes documentary about cinema production, artistic practice, and the evolution of film technology
Cinematographer Style
reflective documentary portrait of filmmaking traditions and the changing tools used by directors and cinematographers
A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies
cinephile documentary built around major filmmakers discussing the history and future of cinematic form
Movie Details
- Director
- Christopher Kenneally
- Release Date
- 2012-08-19
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (318)
Cast
- Keanu Reeves
- Martin Scorsese
- James Cameron
- David Fincher
- David Lynch
- Lars von Trier
- Steven Soderbergh
- Danny Boyle
- George Lucas
- Robert Rodriguez
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Echoboom Amazon Channel , FUEL TV+ Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Side by Side about?
- A lively cinephile documentary uses filmmaker testimony to examine whether cinema’s future belongs to photochemical film, digital tools, or both.
- What is Side by Side like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Side by Side as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Side by Side violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Side by Side.
- What did critics think of Side by Side?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an informative and even-handed exploration of cinema technology, helped by Keanu Reeves's engaging guidance.
- Which films are like Side by Side?
- Films with a similar feel include The Story of Film: An Odyssey, Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, Cinematographer Style, and A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies.
- How long is Side by Side?
- Side by Side runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Side by Side?
- In United States, Side by Side streams on Echoboom Amazon Channel , FUEL TV+ Amazon Channel.
