Movies about movies are made for cinephiles to fawn over. Director David Hinton’s new documentary, Made In England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger, is designed to scratch the itch of film enthusiasts. Not only does it showcase several major moments from the films of these now-iconic directors, but it also features Martin Scorsese as the guide through this cinematic voyage. It’s cinematic catnip of the purest form.
This is a documentary in the genre’s simplest presentation. There is one main talking head – but a fantastic one. Scorsese connects the films of Powell and Pressburger to his movies and what they mean to him.The film also showcases the work and legacy of the two filmmakers. There are a few moments of archival footage to add to the context that Scorsese is painting, which are used to great effect. The main visuals, however, are a collection of major scenes as we go through the filmography of the two directors, along with a few deviations. It highlights scenes from iconic films such as Red Shoes, Peeping Tom, The Tales of Hoffman, and Black Narcissus. These clips serve as a vivid reminder of the groundbreaking work of Powell and Pressburger, reinforcing the documentary’s celebration of their legacy. For those uninitiated (like myself), it is a great walkthrough of the films, their impact, and the general love of the medium by all involved.
Scorsese begins the narration by expressing his introduction to Powell and Pressburger. This sets up the idea that maybe these directors didn’t get the appreciation they truly deserved early enough. The stage is set for the film to make a strong case for the power of their films, their innovative style, and a reminder that you never know what films may last the test of time. At a time when we see the theatrical experience dwindling, physical media vanishing, and the uncertainty of the permanence of digital streaming content, a movie like this feels like an important reminder to ensure that the art of the past and present are preserved.
The documentary pays great appreciation to both the films, and the men who made them. With that said, there isn’t much beyond that to be found here. Their story has some bumps along the way, but this documentary has a lot of ground to cover, so it moves through some of those moments quickly. It’s not a bad thing, but if you are looking for more biographies and interviews about the lives of the men behind the cameras, you’ll not find much here.
Despite this film being very well-made, it’s hard to make a case for a casual cinema fan to watch Made In England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger. This is a true expression of love for the form and could be too academic for those who aren’t film-obsessed. However, for those who can’t get enough movies, who have an ever-growing watchlist on Letterboxd, and who are painfully aware that we are in the middle of the July Criterion sale, this is a definitive must-watch.
Made In England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger is in select theaters as of July 12.
Rating: 4/5
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