"The Screen Director" is a short film about what the job of a film director entails. It's directed by Richard L. Bare, the same guy who directed tons of TV shows, movies and movie shorts...including the Joe McDoakes series and "Green Acres". In fact, he's in the film...but doesn't play the director! In addition to seeing him act in the film, you see clips of many famous directors at work, including the likes of John Ford, John Huston, Leo McCarey and William Wyler.
For the most part, it's informative...and a bit stuffy due to the subject matter. My only complaint, and it's VERY minor, is that directors' jobs may entail many things you see in this film...but many don't. For example, most directors supervise the editing of their movies...but those with MGM in the old days weren't allowed to generally do this. And, the film says the director chooses cast members...though often casting directors and producers do this. Not a major quibble at all...just that directors are not a monolithic group. Well worth seeing if you are a film nut (like me) or if you are a Richard L. Bare groupie!
For the most part, it's informative...and a bit stuffy due to the subject matter. My only complaint, and it's VERY minor, is that directors' jobs may entail many things you see in this film...but many don't. For example, most directors supervise the editing of their movies...but those with MGM in the old days weren't allowed to generally do this. And, the film says the director chooses cast members...though often casting directors and producers do this. Not a major quibble at all...just that directors are not a monolithic group. Well worth seeing if you are a film nut (like me) or if you are a Richard L. Bare groupie!
