Documentary Movies
T.G.: Psychic Rally in Heaven (1981)
An experimental film of the group Throbbing Gristle in concert.
The Ondekoza (1981)
A documentary profiling a Japanese taiko drumming group based in the remote Sado Island, Japan. The film blurs the line between real-life documentary footage of the troupe’s training and practice…
Stoney Knows How (1981)
A visit with a master of the Oldest Art In The World: tattooing. Disabled by arthritis since the age of four, confined to a wheelchair, his growth stunted, Stoney St….
Brooklyn Bridge (1981)
Today it’s a symbol of strength and vitality. 135 years ago, it was a source of controversy. This documentary examines the great problems and ingenious solutions that marked the construction…
Zandra Rhodes (1981)
Commissioned by the COI, Peter Greenaway made a biographical short film about fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.
Vernon Florida (1981)
Early Errol Morris documentary intersplices random chatter he captured on film of the genuinely eccentric residents of Vernon, Florida. A few examples? The preacher giving a sermon on the definition…
The Animals Film (1981)
The film offers a comprehensive examination of the exploitation of animals in modern society.
Stations of the Elevated (1981)
Stations of the Elevated exposes viewers to an underground art scene- that is, one found exclusively on the sides of subways and train cars. A moving portrait of late-70’s NYC,…
Mur Murs (1981)
Venturing from Venice Beach to Watts, Varda looks at the murals of LA as backdrop to and mirror of the city’s many cultures. She casts a curious eye on graffiti…
The Killing of America (1981)
A documentary of the decline of America. Featuring footage (most exclusive to this film) from race riots to serial killers and much, much more.
Not a Love Story: A Film About Pornography (1981)
Documentary about the pornography industry and the apparent violent anti-woman slant much of it takes.
Being Different (1981)
A tribute to the spirit and humanity of people who are physically different from the average: very tall and very large men and women, a bearded woman and her long-time…
The New Deal for Artists (1981)
The Arts Project of the Work Projects Administration (1935-1942) was a USA government agency established to support writers, theater people, painters, sculptors, and photographers.
The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
The Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980 is the focus of this film. With Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X.
Backs to the Blast: An Australian Nuclear Story (1981)
A document of Australia’s nuclear industrial history, from uranium mining and its toxic legacy to the nuclear weapons tests conducted at Maralinga in South Australia.
God’s Angry Man (1981)
The documentary follows Gene Scott, famous televangelist involved with constant fights against FCC, who tried to shut down his TV show during the 1970s and ’80s, and even argues with…
Faces of Death II (1981)
Brief scenes of death related material: mortuaries, accidents and police work are filmed by TV crews and home video cameras. Some of it is most likely fake, some not as…
There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace: Life in the Negro Baseball Leagues (1981)
Chronicles the history of Negro Leagues baseball by using rare historical footage and interviews with black baseball greats.
This Is Elvis (1981)
Though several actors portray Elvis Presley at different stages of his life, this documentary is comprised mostly of actual performance footage and interviews with Elvis, his fans and those close…
Document of the Dead (1981)
A documentary about George A. Romero’s films, with a behind scenes look at Dawn of the Dead.
Edward Hopper (1981)
A film based on a search undertaken by filmmaker Ron Peck into the life and work of the painter Edward Hopper.
Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe (1980)
Directors Werner Herzog and Errol Morris make a bet which results in Herzog living up to his promise that he would eat his shoe if Errol Morris ever completed the…
The Solar Film (1980)
Educational film about solar energy, told with striking imagery and animation.
Lightning Over Water (1980)
Director ‘Nicholas Ray’ is eager to complete a final film before his imminent death from cancer. Wim Wenders is working on his own film Hammett (1983) in Hollywood, but flies…
Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise (1980)
Robert Mugge filmed jazz great Sun Ra on location in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. between 1978 and 1980. The resulting 60-minute film includes multiple public and private performances, poetry…
Larisa (1980)
Elem Klimov’s documentary ode to his wife, director Larisa Shepitko, who was killed in an auto wreck.
Divine Madness (1980)
Divine Madness is a 1980 concert film directed by Michael Ritchie, and featuring Bette Midler during her 1979 concert at Pasadena’s Civic Auditorium. The 94-minute film features Midler’s stand-up comedy…
D.O.A. (1980)
Documentary chronicling the rise and fall of the punk movement with rare interview footage of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Also concert and news footage.
The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle (1980)
A rather incoherent post-breakup Sex Pistols “documentary”, told from the point of view of Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, whose (arguable) position is that the Sex Pistols in particular and punk…
AC/DC: Let There Be Rock (1980)
1. Live Wire 2. Shot Down In Flames 3. Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be 4. Sin City 5. Walk All Over You 6. Bad Boy Boogie 7. The…
Fist of Fear Touch of Death (1980)
A television reporter interviews fighters and promoters about Bruce Lee in preparation for a tournament to claim the title of “Successor to the Bruce Lee legacy”. Footage from Bruce Lee’s…
Talking Heads (1980)
People of different age, profession and social status answer two simple questions: who they are and what they want from life.
Rude Boy (1980)
Rude Boy is a semi-documentary, part character study, part ‘rockumentary’, featuring a British punk band, The Clash. The script includes the story of a fictional fan juxtposed with actual public…
The Candidate (1980)
Made with an eye to the autumn of 1980 when the German parliamentary elections took place, The Candidate examines Germany’s history past and present and Franz Josef Strauß, the man…
Poto and Cabengo (1980)
Documentary by Jean-Pierre Gorin about twin girls who spontaneously developed their own unique language as children.
Take It to the Limit (1980)
This movie is a fun look back into a bygone era of motorcycling. More than the ubiquitous “history of Harley” type documentaries, this move looks at the entire culture of…
Walkabout to Hollywood (1980)
Produced and directed this documentary for BBC in the 1980’s, about David Gulpilil, acclaimed Australian Aboriginal actor, dancer and musician. The film shows how Gulpilil is always working to bridge…
Mary Millington’s True Blue Confessions (1980)
A tribute to Britain’s number one sex symbol of the 1970’s – Mary Millington. Made a year after her tragic death, this film uses archive footage from all aspects of…
Women in Rock (1980)
A documentary about women in the punk rock scene in Europe.
The Motion Picture Camera (1979)
The history and development of motion picture machinery is lovingly and authoritatively presented and narrated by ASC cinematographer and film preservationist, Karl Malkames, using actual early motion picture cameras from…