One of the quirkiest, touching and heartwarming documentaries I've ever had the privilege of watching. I went in knowing very little about the movie, and nothing about Harold and Lillian themselves; I came out wanting to know everything I possibly could.
For those who are like me: Harold Michelson was a renowned story board artist and art director in Hollywood, while his wife, Lillian Michelson, was an established researcher. Together they've helped bring to life some of the most famous movies and iconic scenes of all time. Not only is this movie about their love story, it is a love story to them, and about Hollywood's love of them. Danny DeVito is the executive producer, and one of many Hollywood legends who gave their time to pay tribute to such an influential couple. Despite marriages notoriously not lasting in Hollywood, Harold and Lillian kept their marriage going for over 60 years, all while climbing their way up their respective ladders in one of the toughest industries in the world. They loved each other so deeply and were truly best friends. While both of them were insanely talented and passionate about their jobs (when told she should sell her library, retire and go sit on a beach, Lillian said "why would I do that? I would stay here researching until I died if I could".), Lillian was so much more than that. She was an inspiring feminist figure, who knew that staying at home wasn't the life she wanted to live. And if she made it out to LA to be with Harold and she didn't love it, or him, she'd divorce him. She truly paved her own path and never let a man (or anyone) tell her how to live her life. They're both witty and funny and smart, and the type of people you could listen to stories from for hours on end. The film itself kept you entertained and enthralled with these two. They interspersed caricature drawings of Lillian and Harold which was unique and so fun, and helped to fill in the blanks of your imagination with the stories they were telling. It was also hugely informative about the film industry. I think I'm relatively well informed, but I'm so happy I saw this simply based on how much I learned. Especially of the importance of the story board. Such an under-credited role for the people who can create the scenes we truly remember. It is a perfect documentary, and I highly recommend anyone who loves Hollywood, movies, or love to check it out. 10/10 I saw this movie as part of the Niagara Integrated Film Festival, which is running in Niagara Falls, Ontario, from June 10-19. Find tickets and more information here: https://niagarafilmfest.com/
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