Search - Directed by John Ford on DVD

Directed By John Ford (1971) (2006), 110m.

Brock Stevens | Coal City, WV USA | 06/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought this was a great documentary, originally released in 1971, directed by Peter Bogdanovich, and Narrated by Orson Welles. This documentary aired on TCM in 2006 and the viewers went CRAZY, it was #5 or #6 on their list of films most requested to be on DVD. I recorded it on VHS back in '06, and will be buying this commercial release in September. This documentary has interviews with John Ford (Of Coarse), John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda, Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg... (Eastwood, Scorsese, and Speilberg's interviews were added in 2006 when Bogdanovich re-cut it, along with some other footage that was not in the original 1971 release.) I don't suggest this documentary for everyone, if you are an avid movie fan (Like Me) who enjoys seeing people reflect on their careers and other stars telling stories about things that happened on movie sets then you'll love it as I do, but if you aren't interested in such types of documentaries than this is not for you. Also, if you are a HUGE John Ford fan seek out Mr. Ford's AFI Salute (Only on VHS at this time)."

Like Encountering an Old Love

Liam Wilshire | Portland, OR | 09/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I last saw this film 30 years ago, and it left such an impression on me, it has been at the top of my "Why isn't this on video?" list ever since. In a way, I'm glad I missed seeing it on TCM--on DVD, the re-edit of the original plus the improved quality of the clips makes it like meeting an old love and finding her more beautiful than ever.



The interview material added since 1971 (particularly Maureen O'Hara's 1992 contribution) really helps to explain why Ford was so hilariously contrarian in his original contact with Bogdonovich. There is a much fuller sense of John Ford as a person than in the original film. Spielberg, Eastwood, Scorsese and others help place his work in an artistic context.



But the real thrill of the film is in the clips themselves. Bogdonovich had just done his first feature, a B-movie starring Boris Karloff, and would go on to make three masterpieces in a row. DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD, falling in the midst of this progression, is really like a piece of found art, in which he lovingly assembles pieces of Ford's films to make something entirely his own. The talking head portions are beautifully shot on 35mm, and fit seamlessly into the material of the clips. Also, to listen to Fonda, Stewart, and Wayne is to appreciate how skilled they all are as raconteurs.



DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD calls attention to the irony that is so easily overlooked in Ford's films, and makes a point of showing Ford to be not so much a chronicler of American History as an archivist of the myths and rituals of American History.



Even for those not fully convinced of Ford's genius, this documentary is a valuable primer on how to understand film art. It is also a gorgeous example of film art in its own right."

Mandatory for Cinephiles

C. C. Clark III | Hampden, Maine | 07/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who loves feature films, especially Ford films, should see this documentary. Although made in the early 70's, it has been updated. Bogdanovich managed to befriend many of the greats of Hollywood's Golden Era, and thankfully has put on record his conversations and rememberances. In this film there are many priceless moments; the one that comes to mind first is John Wayne's telling of his first encounter with Ford. Duke appears very relaxed in his interview, which Bogdanovich conducted on John Wayne's patio overlooking Newport Beach. The film is narrated by Orson Welles, another friend of Bogdanovich, who called Ford "the old master." Great stuff is found within; get it now!"

Stunning re-imaging of a classic documentary!!

Richardson | Sunny California USA | 09/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW...

what a great job they have done updating this documentary. Most documentaries from several years back , much less 30 feature "talking heads" hopelessly faded and poorly lit and in general dating the project. Well...this documentary ..or this version opens with current day interviews with Clint Eastwood and Spielberg and Walter Hill and when it moves to the interviews with Henry Fonda, James Stewart and John Wayne....there is NO drop off in the image quality in fact the older interviews appear to be on film, lit by a pro cinematographer and are a revelation for the open and frank discussions these folks engage in with Mr Bogdonavich. Most all of the footage from the films discussed seems to be current re-mastered digital prints so I'd say this is the singular best example of updating a classic documentary I've ever enjoyed and I love documentaries. Mr Bogdonavich knows the territory and is a brilliant director himself...as well as author and actor. This is a couple of hours I will watch over and over and over. ANY film fan, or fan of John Ford (pretty much the same thing) absolutely MUST own this startlingly wonderful DVD!



PS..the footage of John Ford himself...I have seen but as the rest its presented for the first time in brilliantly saturated color and clarity...this is my favorite of the John Ford docs and a perfect partner for the more linear and career spanning historical "Becoming John Ford" which I also recommend.



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