Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story

I liked this docu a lot, I'm always interested in what happens behind the scenes of film making, in particular when it covers a total lifetime and lots of decennia. You get 3 stories, the storyboard artist, the rechearcher and a love story. Although I believe the love story has been sweetened (at a moment even very naive), I got sucked into this docu from the first till the last moment.

The first time I saw it I was inspired as I learned about a truly great unsung Hollywood craftsman who was the secret weapon of several iconic directors.

The second time I saw it, I marveled at the force of nature that is Lillian Michelson, whose remarkable research library guided generations of filmmakers.

The third time I saw it, I finally saw it — my fascination with Hollywood no longer distracting me. I saw it for the truly touching yet not romanticized love story that is at its heart, all the more real and deeply human as it plays out against the backdrop of Hollywood make-believe.

I can't think of another documentary I've seen more than twice. Go see it at least once on the big screen while you can.

An American documentary; A story about a couple who had an enormous influence over the informational and visual aspects of dozens of the world's most famous motion pictures. Largely uncredited in these movies, Harold and Lillian had an expertise that throws new light on the actual roles of a film director and head of production design. While these two important roles take the rap if a film goes wrong, when it goes right the film researcher and storyboarding play an important role in the success of the overall production. As for the documentary itself, it succeeds as a personal story about a couple falling love - the two being quite different, and their personal and family challenges. It also works as a fresh perspective on Hollywood. Moreover, it is a well crafted film with great insights and humour and a beautiful story arc.

As a rule I don't rate documentaries. I hardly ever watch'em. The only documentaries I do watch are about cinema, or has a curious cinematic twist about the way they were made, otherwise count me out. So obviously this one is about cinema, but the reason I did rate it and I'm even writing a review about it is the sheer fun of watching it. It's just like sitting with a bunch of friends and listening to one of them who's a great story teller, telling about all sorts of things you thought you knew. And all of a sudden all those things you thought you knew are seen in vivid new colors, completely fresh.

The Michelson couple is one of the most charming couples you'll ever meet. They're funny, witty and amazing storytellers. The outcome is simply riveting, and if you do love cinema it's a must see. you'll learn so much about the way things work behind the scenes, you wouldn't forgive yourself if you did miss it.

It is a very charming film. A kind of film which makes you leave the theater with a smile on your face. The film also makes you aware of a couple who worked behind the scene in the film industry for many years, loving their work and loving each other. I'm so happy to learn about them and would like everyone who care about cinema to know about them, too.

I tend to recommend films with interesting story line, films that give you emotional impact, or films that I can tell why it's worth your time. On the other hand, I leave all other films I simply love in my personal favorite list. 'Harold and Lillian' can very easily find its place in my personal favorite list, but I added to my recommendation list instead because it tells the story that needs to be told.

The tone of film largely owes lovely & positive personality of Lillian. She is such a beautiful person.