shows Anderson's process as it happens, which is precious enough

Starting off with Paul Thomas Anderson talking about some of his influences and screen writing process - that he wanted to write originally something 'small' and then spent eight months writing it (with a rush of a couple of weeks of most of the writing in Macy's cabin) - we then see in That Moment how this man makes a movie. It may not be with every actor (apparently Tom Cruise's people didn't want him to appear in this loose a context), but you get to see many of those little things that happen on a set, how energetic Anderson is with his actors but how they're all eager to reach up to what he's asking for, and it helps to make the film more valuable. Just how he talks to the kids who will be on the game show set, how he's written some things and not others, is precious. And how he especially looks for collaboration from all of his players is incredible.

Oh sure, you may find it tedious to see all of the frogs dropped over and over in the gas station. But you see how little things get done (how can Julianne Moore know all the words to the song - mic in her ear that no one sees, that's how), and what his actors are like on set; Philip Seymour Hoffman has a funny, warm story to tell, and Jason Robards has LOTS of stories to tell, and does tell one of them. That he was just treated for cancer and then doing this role is amazing and touching, and you see the affection he has for PT Anderson and for playing this role (if not Earl Partridge, who is dying and bitter). You get the sense that this filmmaker loves filmmaking so much, and the creativity and steps taken to making this massive, intimate epic is revelatory - I only wish it was longer.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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A behind-the-scenes documentary, following the 80+ days of filming Paul Thomas Anderson's epic film Magnolia.

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That Moment: Magnolia Diary

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