Side by Side (2012)
91%RT Audience Score: 86%
Awards & Nominations: 1 nomination
Keanu Reeves proves a groovy guide through this informative exploration of how technology is transforming cinema, with an even-handed defense for both the old and the new.
If you’re a film buff, you’ll love Side by Side. It’s like being a fly on the wall during a heated debate between some of the biggest names in the industry. Keanu Reeves is surprisingly engaging as the host, and the insights from James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, and others are fascinating. Whether you’re a die-hard celluloid fan or a digital devotee, this documentary will give you plenty to think about. Plus, who doesn’t love a good argument about the future of cinema?
Production Company(ies)
Warner Bros., Plan B Entertainment, Initial Entertainment Group,
Distributor
Tribeca Film
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2012
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:1h 38m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 2012 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2013
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, technology, filmmaking, digital, celluloid, Keanu Reeves, James Cameron, David Fincher, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, directors, producers, writers, critics, genre, box office, budget, MPAA rating, Christopher Kenneally, Justin Szlasa, English, Tribeca Film, cast, crew, cinematographer, audience score, critic consensus, reviews, Side by Side, impact, future, Hollywood, horror movies, Netflix series, MCU movies, TV shows, streaming, renewed, cancelled, premiere dates, worst horror movies, careers, newsletter, Fandango
Worldwide gross: $67,054
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $86,448
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,039
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 9,427
US/Canada gross: $58,825
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $75,839
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,702
US/Canada opening weekend: $6,956
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $8,968
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,725
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Christopher Kenneally – Director, Writer
Keanu Reeves – Producer
Justin Szlasa – Producer
Chris Cassidy – Cinematographer
Director(s)
Christopher Kenneally
Writer(s)
Christopher Kenneally
Producer(s)
Keanu Reeves, Justin Szlasa
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 nomination
Academy Awards
All Critics (68) | Top Critics (29) | Fresh (63) | Rotten (5)
The documentary would have been that much better with a more explicit focus on why the average filmgoer should care.
September 10, 2013 | Rating: 2/4
David Wiegand
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
This is route-one stuff.No serious film enthusiast will, however, want to miss Side by Side.
February 15, 2013 | Rating: 3/5
Tara Brady
Irish Times
TOP CRITIC
Maybe this geekily precise, Keanu Reeves-fronted documentary fretting over the death of celluloid needs to give digital its due.
February 14, 2013 | Rating: 3/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Keanu Reeves is a game frontman of this fact-filled, slightly chaotic doc about the rise of digital technology in film.
February 14, 2013 | Rating: 3/5
Dave Calhoun
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
It’s sweet and sparkling, as glassfuls of thought are provided by James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, David Lynch, Steven Soderbergh and other champagne cinematic cerebra.
February 14, 2013 | Rating: 4/5
Nigel Andrews
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
It’s this simple: If you like movies, you need to see “Side by Side.”
September 27, 2012 | Rating: 4/5
Bill Goodykoontz
Arizona Republic
TOP CRITIC
The film’s breadth of opinions – of which there are too many to recount in a single article – indicates that there is no ‘right’ choice, and impressively captures a debate that may not rage forever.
February 13, 2020
Jim Ross
TAKE ONE Magazine
… if you’re a film nerd, you are IN ABSOLUTE HEAVEN while watching this, totally enamored of every word, and thrilled about hearing the debate.
March 4, 2019
Amie Simon
Three Imaginary Girls
Celluloid or digital film – which is the better format? Directors, cinematographers, editors and other film professionals weigh in on the question in Chris Kenneally’s densely packed doc, SIDE BY SIDE.
December 7, 2018 | Rating: 2.5/4
Rania Richardson
The Villager
… a stunningly fascinating documentary…
September 18, 2017
Neely Swanson
Easy Reader (California)
…could have used more movie-specific discussions of the aesthetic implications of celluloid versus digital.
August 5, 2014 | Rating: 2/4
Josh Larsen
LarsenOnFilm
Side By Side is a riveting, under-the-hood distillation of 100 years of Hollywood experimentation, innovation and expensive bravery.
March 13, 2013 | Rating: 5/5
Graham Young
Birmingham Post…
Plot
Investigates the history, process and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation. It shows what artists and filmmakers have been able to accomplish with both film and digital and how their needs and innovations have helped push filmmaking in new directions. Interviews with directors, cinematographers, colorists, scientists, engineers and artists reveal their experiences and feelings about working with film and digital. Where we are now, how we got here and what the future may bring.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Keanu Reeves serves as both producer and on-screen guide in this documentary about the impact of digital technology on filmmaking.
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