Firstly, Side By Side gives the very basics of the processes of filmmaking. From stating the obvious in simple science, it's a real dummy's guide. Then it gets to the stuff I hadn't even thought about. In this documentary, I learned so much about the processes of film post- production, in particular in how visual effects are implemented and how colour grading used to work. It doesn't go much into the process of digital post as it's being constantly upgraded, but I know a lot about it from my university studies already so it was fascinating to see how film works and having it explained so well. With an assortment of opinions from very familiar faces and names, it's an almost intimidating look into the art as it shows how much I don't know, but it's stuff I want to know. While the interview footage is well shot, unfortunately the cutaways are very amateurish, especially when it comes to adding pointless inserts of Keanu Reeves with so many reflections of the camera, poor framing and bad sound. Otherwise, the structure and pace of the documentary is well constructed and informed, showing two passionate sides of an argument that makes me excited to become part of this community.
8/10
8/10