Name: Image Makers: The Adventures of America's Pioneer Cinematographers
Director: Daniel Raim
Genre: Documentary, History
Released: 2019-11-06
Duration: 92 min
Rating: 8.4
Cast: Michael McKean, Kevin Brownlow, Leonard Maltin, John Bailey, Matt Severson

The rebels who taught Hollywood how to actually look good.

cinephile catniphistory with swaggerfilm school essential

Overview

Documentary History

Documentary following the history of America's first cinematographers.

Content warning

filmmaking cinematographer cameraman camera man

Standout Aspects

Direction

Raim's loving tribute to his mentor James Wong Howe.

Cinematography

Gorgeous archival footage that proves its own point.

Production

Decades-spanning research, rare photos and equipment.

Best for:Solo·Friends·Rewatch

Director

Daniel Raim

ReleasedNov 6, 2019

Runtime1h 32m

StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady

Intensitylow

Tonelight

Feelmedium

Adama Films

Top Cast

Michael McKean

Narrator (voice)

Kevin Brownlow

Self

Leonard Maltin

Self

John Bailey

Self

Rachel Morrison

Self

Steve Gainer

Self

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Director Daniel Raim was James Wong Howe's personal assistant before film school, making this a direct transmission of cinematic lineage.

Cultural

This film helped spark renewed interest in restoring early cinematographers' credits, with ASC archives now digitizing thousands of previously uncredited camera logs.