Let's watch Awesome Documentaries, 201X edition

The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > Cinema Discusso > Let's watch Awesome Documentaries, 201X edition

Defnoops: Aug 25, 2006; Cheese is a kind of meat

Queen - Days of Our Lives

BBC posted:

In 1971, four university students got together to form a band. Since then, that certain band called Queen have released 26 albums and sold over 300 million records worldwide. The popularity of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon is stronger than ever. Their story is a remarkable one, a narrative that covers early struggles, huge obstacles, success, arguments, breakups, triumph, tragedy and an enduring legacy - all against a backdrop of brilliant music and stunning live performances from every corner of the globe.

In this film, for the first time, it is the band that tells their story. Guiding us through an extensive archive full of hitherto unseen footage, the documentary reveals how four strong-minded individuals, all capable of writing massive hit songs, worked together so successfully for four decades. Queen never did anything by halves - meaning their highs were massive, but their lows catastrophic. It is a compelling story told with intelligence, wit, plenty of humour and painful honesty.

Currently up on the BBC iPlayer (UK only). A two part documentary, each an hour long and fantastic.

Part 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b011pwd9/Queen_Days_of_Our_Lives_Episode_1/

Part 2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b011r4gs/Queen_Days_of_Our_Lives_Episode_2/

# ? May 31, 2011 14:56

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? Apr 25, 2024 08:23

whose tuggin: Nov 6, 2009; by Hand Knit

1955 24 hours at Le Mans Disaster

In 1955, the Le Mans race saw the worst racing disaster that the world has ever seen to this day. 84 deaths according to the official death toll. From the wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_Le_Mans_disaster posted:

Immediate cause

The 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans began on 11 June, with Pierre Levegh behind the wheel of the #20 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR run by Daimler-Benz. American John Fitch was Levegh's assigned partner in the car, and he would take over driving duties later. Competition between Mercedes, Jaguar, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Maserati was close, with all the marques fighting for the top positions early on. The race was extremely fast, with lap records being repeatedly broken.[1]

After just over two hours of racing, at approximately 6:26 pm local time, Levegh was following Mike Hawthorn's leading Jaguar D-type, just as they were entering the pit straight, at the end of Lap 35. Hawthorn had just passed Lance Macklin's slower Austin-Healey 100 when he belatedly noticed a pit signal to stop for fuel. Hawthorn slowed suddenly in an effort to stop rather than make another lap. Hawthorn's Jaguar, with the new disc brakes, slowed much more quickly than other cars using drum brakes, such as Levegh's Mercedes. The sudden, unexpected braking by Hawthorn caused Macklin in the Healey to hit his brakes, throwing up a small cloud of dust in front of Levegh, who trailed close behind. Macklin then swerved across the centre of the track, attempting to re-pass the slowing Jaguar, but also apparently out of control.[1] Macklin had not noticed both Levegh and Juan Manuel Fangio, in another 300 SLR, approaching rapidly from behind. Fangio was in second place at the time, but directly behind, and attempting to lap Levegh.[1]

Levegh, ahead of Fangio on the track, did not have time to react. Levegh's car made contact with the left rear of Macklin's car as he closed rapidly (at about 150 mph) upon the slowed car. The aerodynamic design of the Austin-Healey featured a long, ramp-like rear. When Levegh hit the Austin-Healey from behind, his car became airborne, soaring towards the left side of the track, where it landed atop the earthen embankment separating spectators from the track itself.
[edit] Collision

Levegh's 300 SLR struck the mound at such speed and angle that it was launched into a somersault, which caused some parts of the car, already damaged and loosened by the collision, to be flung from the vehicle at very great speeds. This included the bonnet and the front axle, both of which separated from the frame and flew through the crowd. The bonnet decapitated tightly jammed spectators like a guillotine.[2] With the front of the spaceframe chassis�and thus crucial engine mounts�destroyed, the car's heavy engine block also broke free and hurtled into the crowd. Spectators who had climbed onto trestle tables to get a better view of the track found themselves in the direct path of the lethal debris.[1] Levegh was also thrown free of the somersaulting car, fatally crushing his skull when he landed.

As the remains of the 300 SLR slowed its somersault, the rear-mounted fuel tank ruptured. The ensuing fuel fire raised the temperature of the remaining Elektron bodywork past its flashpoint, which due to its high magnesium content was already very low. The alloy burst into white-hot flames, sending searing embers onto the track and into the crowd. Rescue workers, totally unfamiliar with how to attack a magnesium fire, poured water on the inferno � greatly intensifying the fire. As a result, the car burned for several hours. Official accounts put the death total at 84 (83 spectators plus Levegh), either by flying parts and debris or from the fire, with a further 120 injured. Other observers estimated the toll to be much higher.[1]

Fangio, driving behind Levegh, narrowly escaped the heavily damaged Austin-Healey, which was now skidding to the right of the track, across his path. Macklin then hit the pit wall and bounced back to the left, crossing the track again. He impacted the barrier near the location of the now burning 300 SLR, causing the death of another single spectator, although Macklin survived the incident without serious injury.[1]

http://video.racing.hu/deadliest_crash_the_le_mans_1955_disaster_bbcfour

# ? May 31, 2011 15:29

boner meter: Apr 27, 2006; I AM A SMUG ASSHOLE WHO BELIEVES IN RACIST PROPAGANDA. I DESERVE ONLY RIDICULE.

Friend made a Spotify playlist for part one of Machines of Loving Grace if anyone gives a rats rear end (I do)
http://open.spotify.com/user/nachimir/playlist/1FJ3f7J3iXhPE2R83XAymO

# ? May 31, 2011 17:21

CaptainEO: Sep 24, 2007; Found Something Great Here

Shameless self-promotion here - I worked on the 3D visuals for Death of a Mars Rover, to air this Thursday at 8pm on National Geographic TV.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/death-of-a-mars-rover-6755/Overview#ixzz1Nu9x3ne1

The show covers what the Mars Rovers have been up to over the past six years, and the fate of Spirit, which NASA pronounced dead this week.

# ? Jun 1, 2011 04:33

Drewsky: Dec 29, 2010

Well judging from that little screenshot on your link it looks like you did a drat good job.

# ? Jun 1, 2011 05:03

C2C - 2.0: May 14, 2006; Dubs In The Key Of Life; Lipstick Apathy

Ml

(USER WAS PUT ON PROBATION FOR THIS POST)

# ? Jun 1, 2011 20:06

Talby: Nov 28, 2002

C2C - 2.0 posted:

Ml

saw this on netflix streaming yesterday, it seemed a little biased but overall a very well done documentary

# ? Jun 1, 2011 20:30

Adjectivist Philosophy: Oct 6, 2003; When you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.

boner meter posted:

Friend made a Spotify playlist for part one of Machines of Loving Grace if anyone gives a rats rear end (I do)
http://open.spotify.com/user/nachimir/playlist/1FJ3f7J3iXhPE2R83XAymO

Great, great doc. Looks like the second part is up in full (near as I can tell) on youtube. Can't wait to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha8ocu1UaWI

C2C - 2.0 posted:

Ml

Never heard of this and can't seem to find out anything about it, but your post is so informative tha

# ? Jun 1, 2011 20:43

Howmuch: Apr 29, 2008

Found this while browsing http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/ (a lot of good stuff there)

Furries - An inside look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdaOPW_kdXA

A relatively short, pro-furry documentary aimed to make all of us closeted, narrow-minded people realize that furries are so awesome.

Funny in its own way (they even have their own furry-comic)

Howmuch fucked around with this message at 21:52 on Jun 1, 2011

# ? Jun 1, 2011 21:49

McBeth: Jul 11, 2006; Odeipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions.

Howmuch posted:

furries

See this is what the internet is doing to me. I was at a local farm, the kind that lets you feed/pet the animals and wander around taking pictures, and it was library day. The city library was kicking off a storytelling show going around to all the local libraries and kids where everywhere. And so were some goddamn furries, what there to help celebrate the event? I don't even know I just thought they should keep that poo poo to themselves and their computers. Much later I realized that they were animals from one of the featured stories.

# ? Jun 1, 2011 21:58

WouldDesk: Dec 26, 2009

Kill Me If You Can

"It is July 2003 and a 14-year-old boy, John, is the victim of a near-fatal stabbing in Altrincham near Manchester. His 16-year-old friend Mark is the chief suspect. But why would a teenager who has never been in any trouble try to kill his best friend?

An incredible story emerges of how Mark has been recruited over the web to be a secret service agent by a spy mistress called Janet Dobinson. She promises him sex and riches if he passes an initiation test: to kill his friend John. The schoolboy is propelled into a world of espionage; his bland suburban surroundings become a landscape of mystery and intrigue.

But in court, facing charges of attempted murder, Mark finally learns the truth � Janet and a host of other people he met on the internet are all fictitious characters invented by someone bent on manipulating his every move. But who would know enough to trick him into attempting murder?"

http://documentarystorm.com/kill-me-if-you-can/

very :confused:

, and

# ? Jun 2, 2011 00:08

Pooned: Dec 28, 2005; Eye contact counters everything

That person deserves the dumbest kid award. It's almost too dumb and naive to be believable.

# ? Jun 2, 2011 00:58

Paper Jam Dipper: Jul 14, 2007; by XyloJW

Pooned posted:

That person deserves the dumbest kid award. It's almost too dumb and naive to be believable.

Every man has done something dumb for a lying woman promising sex.

Just not... that far.

# ? Jun 2, 2011 02:57

Mrens: Feb 21, 2004

But in the majority of those cases they can prove their actually talking to a woman.

Also those Khan lecture are just amazing.I highly recommend the Cosmology and Astronomy for any Cosmo's fans.

Mrens fucked around with this message at 06:08 on Jun 2, 2011

# ? Jun 2, 2011 05:39

Drewsky: Dec 29, 2010

Is the Miami Megajail doc just two parts?

# ? Jun 2, 2011 17:03

Underflow: Apr 4, 2008; EGOMET MIHI IGNOSCO

Defnoops posted:

Queen - Days of Our Lives

Currently up on the BBC iPlayer (UK only). A two part documentary, each an hour long and fantastic.

Part 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b011pwd9/Queen_Days_of_Our_Lives_Episode_1/

Part 2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b011r4gs/Queen_Days_of_Our_Lives_Episode_2/

Up on YouTube now. Really good.

# ? Jun 2, 2011 17:14

cloudchamber: Aug 6, 2010; You know what the Ukraine is? It's a sitting duck. A road apple, Newman. The Ukraine is weak. It's feeble. I think it's time to put the hurt on the Ukraine

Drewsky posted:

Is the Miami Megajail doc just two parts?

Yep just the two. That's still twice as long as his docs normally are though.

# ? Jun 2, 2011 17:17

JibbaJabberwocky: Aug 14, 2010

I was talking about the film Orgasm Inc. with one of my classmates. She said it was a really interesting movie, and a great look into the Pharmaceutical industry (which is what I'm currently studying). I've looked everywhere for this film online. Does anyone have a link to it?

And also, has anyone watched it? If so I'd love to hear more reviews on the film.

# ? Jun 2, 2011 18:25

BobFossil: Jun 17, 2005; Note to self: I hate whites.

History of the 'amen break'

http://www.coffeedocs.tv/2011/06/history-of-the-amen-break/

# ? Jun 2, 2011 23:17

mrfart: May 26, 2004; Dear diary, today I
became a captain.

BobFossil posted:

History of the 'amen break'

http://www.coffeedocs.tv/2011/06/history-of-the-amen-break/

interesting subject.
But it doesn't answers the questions it is asking I feel. Why is it so popular, where are the original artists...
But in order to do that the maker of this doc should have done some interviews, and since this is low budget that was probably not an option.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 01:12

Red Fructidor: Jan 8, 2004

WouldDesk posted:

Kill Me If You Can
An incredible story emerges of how Mark has been recruited over the web to be a secret service agent by a spy mistress called Janet Dobinson. She promises him sex and riches if he passes an initiation test: to kill his friend John. The schoolboy is propelled into a world of espionage; his bland suburban surroundings become a landscape of mystery and intrigue.

Prime suspect: Jim Halpert.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 03:01

Drewsky: Dec 29, 2010

What are some other good Theroux docs? I just watched Megajail and it was great.

I've seen The Most Hated Family In America and the followup that was released recently.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 05:37

BogDew: Jun 14, 2006; E:\FILES>quickfli clown.fli

America's Medicated Kids?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yjo8OkpUIg

# ? Jun 3, 2011 05:46

WouldDesk: Dec 26, 2009

Drewsky posted:

What are some other good Theroux docs? I just watched Megajail and it was great.

I've seen The Most Hated Family In America and the followup that was released recently.

My favorite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x4rn8zq4s0

# ? Jun 3, 2011 05:46

Drewsky: Dec 29, 2010

Awesome thank you.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 05:47

mod sassinator: Dec 13, 2006; I came here to Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum,
and I'm All out of Ass

Drewsky posted:

What are some other good Theroux docs? I just watched Megajail and it was great.

I've seen The Most Hated Family In America and the followup that was released recently.

Theroux's look at black power groups was pretty good. He sees the whole range from groups that are just fighting for equality to extreme Black Panther style groups. Take a look at http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/louis-theroux-on-black-nationalism/

# ? Jun 3, 2011 06:22

Drewsky: Dec 29, 2010

mod sassinator posted:

Theroux's look at black power groups was pretty good. He sees the whole range from groups that are just fighting for equality to extreme Black Panther style groups. Take a look at http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/louis-theroux-on-black-nationalism/

Wow he's young in that. I like his Beatles haircut.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 06:37

sinc: Jul 6, 2008

I'm surprised to see that (I think) nobody has brought up Thin Blue Line by Errol Morris yet. Perhaps it's just too obvious. It's about a man who is sentenced to death by a corrupt justice system for the murder of a police officer. The film argues his innocence so compellingly that his conviction was actually overturned soon after its release, which I guess is quite remarkable. Also it's beautifully shot and edited, and has a haunting Philip Glass score.

Also a kinda-interesting though slightly heavy-going documentary I saw recently is Terror's Advocate, which is about this French lawyer whose clients include terrorists, war criminals, Nazi criminals and other possibly disagreeable persons. It might be interesting if you liked Battle of Algiers (which I guess is a sort of quasi-documentary re-enactment in itself).

I just watched the first seven episodes of The Staircase in a row yesterday by recommendation from this thread. Next up, The Verdict. :ohdear:

# ? Jun 3, 2011 12:23

Paper Jam Dipper: Jul 14, 2007; by XyloJW

spirited posted:

Starting to watch Part 2 of All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace.

The first part was drat good. It gave me an understanding of why when I was a kid the internet user base that actually used correct grammar around the 90s seemed to be Objectivists that self identified as Randian dicks more often than not. The software and hardware companies of the day thought they were creating a new economy, but the internet seems to have gradually lost much of its insanely creative experimental nature now like the freakish web 2.0 businesses that got funded by naive venture capitalists. At this point it has probably coalesced to have what are probably going to be long time mainstays (Google, Facebook, Skype, Youtube, Hulu, FireFox, Twitter) and with the economy and the government now seriously trying to regulate poo poo it's going to be interesting.

I hope China produces some internationally useful something or other, eventually they're going to be in a position to eat the West alive if they progress smoothly.

I think both parts were absolutely brilliant. Even better is reading youtube comments from Randian dicks trying to argue that they never got what they wanted and Greenspan did it wrong.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 14:11

boner meter: Apr 27, 2006; I AM A SMUG ASSHOLE WHO BELIEVES IN RACIST PROPAGANDA. I DESERVE ONLY RIDICULE.

mod sassinator posted:

Theroux's look at black power groups was pretty good. He sees the whole range from groups that are just fighting for equality to extreme Black Panther style groups. Take a look at http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/louis-theroux-on-black-nationalism/

And its companion piece: Louis and the Nazis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTWT8xaCB5A&feature=player_embedded

boner meter fucked around with this message at 14:44 on Jun 3, 2011

# ? Jun 3, 2011 14:40

marktheando: Nov 4, 2006

In addition to the ones already mentioned I like the UFO hunters and pro-wrestling episodes. But the survivalist one is probably my favourite. The scene where they are drawing all the earthquakes, tornadoes, etc across the map of America is just amazing. Of course the area where their survivalist compound is ends up being the only place in America that doesn't get destroyed.

But basically just watch all of them, Theroux is always great. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Louis_Theroux_Documentaries Most of them are on youtube or dailymotion.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 19:46

Paper Jam Dipper: Jul 14, 2007; by XyloJW

marktheando posted:

In addition to the ones already mentioned I like the UFO hunters and pro-wrestling episodes. But the survivalist one is probably my favourite. The scene where they are drawing all the earthquakes, tornadoes, etc across the map of America is just amazing. Of course the area where their survivalist compound is ends up being the only place in America that doesn't get destroyed.

But basically just watch all of them, Theroux is always great. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Louis_Theroux_Documentaries Most of them are on youtube or dailymotion.

I think I've seen the wrestling one. I might be confusing it with an A&E special on wrestling. So I'm gonna hunt that one down.

# ? Jun 3, 2011 20:18

El Goatherd: Jun 25, 2005; hate is art

# ? Jun 6, 2011 12:28

KingOfTheTramps: Nov 10, 2009; "Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

marktheando posted:

In addition to the ones already mentioned I like the UFO hunters and pro-wrestling episodes. But the survivalist one is probably my favourite. The scene where they are drawing all the earthquakes, tornadoes, etc across the map of America is just amazing. Of course the area where their survivalist compound is ends up being the only place in America that doesn't get destroyed.

But basically just watch all of them, Theroux is always great. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Louis_Theroux_Documentaries Most of them are on youtube or dailymotion.

One of my favourite moments from the Weird Weekends he did is where he picks four guys he met from the first four episodes (UFOs, Porn, Born Again Christians and Survivalists) and tries to help them get along at Christmas. Anyway the whole thing is great but the part where Reverend Short channels his alien friend Corton in front of porn guy JJ and survivalist Mountain Mike had me in tears (Born again Christian Randy had to leave the room):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1KbeXAvrgg

# ? Jun 6, 2011 13:56

Caesar Manson: Nov 25, 2007; Digging in your brown for gold!

mr. nazi posted:

I watched a documentary the other day called Alone in the Wilderness: it was about a man named Dick Proenekke and he, at age 51, built his own cabin in the alaskan wilderness at the Twin Lakes

I have this documentary on DVD and have watched it five times. I find it great for calming my nerves and bringing me back to center when the world gets hectic and stressful.

# ? Jun 6, 2011 15:49

mikewozere: Jun 2, 2008; Aiiiii

I'm not a big fan of Louis older documentaries as they're a lot more jokey and he has a completely different narrative style.

Somebody fucked around with this message at 00:09 on Jun 10, 2011

# ? Jun 6, 2011 17:16

simplefish: Mar 28, 2011; So long, and thanks for all the ~~fish~~ gallbladdΣrs!

I just want to post this here because it's the first documentary in a long time to really hit me somewhere vulnerable.

It is a piece of investigative journalism into the abuse of a "care" home in the UK, which you can find loads more information on through BBC news. It's (supposedly) a treatment centre for adults with learning disabilities and other problems in Bristol. This is all done through secret filming and shook me to the core.

In terms of links, you can find it currently on iPlayer as Panorama, or through this youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yuPvUHsx1Y

It really brought me through the range of emotions. Sadness, then disgust and hollowness, then finally anger. One can only imagine what the families felt.

I suggest you do not watch it if you are susceptible to tears, or any of the emotions posted above. I'm not, and it still seriously affected me. But all of it is fact.

edit: ^^^ might take you up on your offer. I'm a massive Horizon nut. ^^^
edit2: Don't have PM. Contact me at hori zon fan @ hot mail dot codot uk

simplefish fucked around with this message at 22:21 on Jun 6, 2011

# ? Jun 6, 2011 21:25

boner meter: Apr 27, 2006; I AM A SMUG ASSHOLE WHO BELIEVES IN RACIST PROPAGANDA. I DESERVE ONLY RIDICULE.

Oh, yes please

Somebody fucked around with this message at 00:09 on Jun 10, 2011

# ? Jun 6, 2011 21:56

WouldDesk: Dec 26, 2009

Just to put out a little information, many of you use documentarystorm.com. They add new docs every Sunday and Wednesday, so 11pm Saturday Central and Tuesday at 11pm Central. I previously would check every day for new uploads so I hope this helps.

# ? Jun 6, 2011 22:49

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? Apr 25, 2024 08:23

mikewozere: Jun 2, 2008; Aiiiii

boner meter posted:

Oh, yes please

sometimes you get lucky.

Somebody fucked around with this message at 00:09 on Jun 10, 2011

# ? Jun 7, 2011 01:36

The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > Cinema Discusso > Let's watch Awesome Documentaries, 201X edition

«‹›165 »