I love Douglas Adams, and Hitchhiker's of course; and being narrated by Neil Gaiman, who also wrote "Don't Panic: The Official Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Companion," was a splendid bonus, in this documentary that went through all aspects of Douglas's life, from his love for technology, to his books, to his environmental passion.. except for one: his atheism.
To anyone educated in Adams, they'll know he called himself a "radical atheist," and had very strong beliefs on the matter. This important aspect of his life, surely something that helped shaped his outlook on, and joy of, being alive, is all too noticeably absent in this otherwise smooth and funny documentary. It's like watching a movie about Lou Reed that doesn't mention heroin, because it may be controversial. Despite this glaring, blinding hole though, the film trotted along at just the right pace, briefly examining all other aspects of his life, in a somewhat light-hearted manner. I can only guess the filmmakers thought mentioning Douglas's (non)religious views would make the film too heavy.
I almost dropped my rating a star, due to the negligence, but I just don't have the heart. 8/10 from me.
To anyone educated in Adams, they'll know he called himself a "radical atheist," and had very strong beliefs on the matter. This important aspect of his life, surely something that helped shaped his outlook on, and joy of, being alive, is all too noticeably absent in this otherwise smooth and funny documentary. It's like watching a movie about Lou Reed that doesn't mention heroin, because it may be controversial. Despite this glaring, blinding hole though, the film trotted along at just the right pace, briefly examining all other aspects of his life, in a somewhat light-hearted manner. I can only guess the filmmakers thought mentioning Douglas's (non)religious views would make the film too heavy.
I almost dropped my rating a star, due to the negligence, but I just don't have the heart. 8/10 from me.