Movie spotlight
Yesterday's Tomorrows
Showtime's "In the 20th Century" is a millennium-related strand of feature-length documentaries in which famous directors take on major subjects of their choosing. In the third of the six films, "Yesterday's Tomorrows," filmmaker Barry Levinson delves into what we, as Americans, thought the future would be as we traveled through the 20th century. Houses and cars of the future, the promise of technology, and the other hopes and dreams of the early part of the century gave way to the fears and anxieties brought about by the atomic age and the Hollywood disaster films that followed. Soon we wondered if we could control technology, or if it would control us. This film is by turns light-hearted and thoughtful, and rare historical and archival film, produced by government and industry, alternates with on-screen interviews with people as diverse as consumer advocate Ralph Nader, cartoonist Matt Groening, futurist Alvin Toffler, comedienne Phyllis Diller, and actor Martin Mull.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the rise and fall of American International Pictures (AIP), a prolific studio known for its low-budget, genre films that defined youth culture in the 1950s and 1960s. Director Dirk Shafer interviews key figures from the era, including producers, directors, and actors, to shed light on the studio's business practices, creative output, and lasting impact on Hollywood.
Critical Reception
Yesterday's Tomorrows was generally well-received by critics for its insightful look into a significant, albeit niche, part of Hollywood history. Reviewers praised its comprehensive scope and the engaging interviews with industry veterans, highlighting its value for film buffs and those interested in the independent film scene.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a fascinating and detailed look at a pivotal independent film studio.
Features compelling interviews with legendary figures from AIP's heyday.
A must-watch for fans of classic B-movies and Hollywood history.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Yesterday's Tomorrows' are scarce, but those available often praise the documentary for its informative content and nostalgic journey through the golden age of AIP's low-budget filmmaking.
Fun Fact
The documentary features interviews with Roger Corman and William Castle, two legendary directors who were instrumental in AIP's success with their distinct styles of low-budget filmmaking.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources