"Sr."

Wow. I have to admit never seeing any of the movies featured but can identify many of the cast as movers and shakers in the industry. Testament to a man who made movies for the pure pleasure of movie making and challenging the perceptions of others. Family and friends contributing to a precis of a craftsman and a Son charting his final farewell to a Man who allowed him live his own life.

Many time I recognised parallels in the relationship between Father and Son and my own parent & myself (sudden death syndrome) and that last 'interview' where Jr 'knows' is touching as it is shared with Jr's Jr. I can only conclude that when Sr's mind went elsewhere it was back to the time when editing of his segment was in process.

At times poignant, mostly humorous, this end-time journey was something I would not usually watch but I am so glad I did, such creativity.

R. I. P. Robert Downey, Senior (1936-2021)

This documentary has good pacing, camerawork and interesting dialog.

Robert Downey, Senior was an original American indie filmmaker and director. From way back in the 1940's. He was a revolutionary. He was a genius.

The man has a fairly substantial portfolio. Both my wife and myself have been wondering for quite a while just when a documentary about Senior would be made. Here it is. Finally.

Senior the documentary gets us into the man's head. We see his strange take on life and how it influenced his creative processees. We see how any kind of feedback, whether positive or negative, was treated like water running off a duck's back.

I came across this by accident, and am SO glad I did. An absolutely honest, touching and truly raw look at an unconventional father/son dynamic. A father and son, who, despite their seemingly dysfunctional and unhealthy relationship, possess a wholly unconditional love, affection and mutual respect for each other. A truly beautiful and touching love letter from a son to his father, "hero". Thank you so much for reminding us that our connections are what are truly important at the end of the day. I love how much Jr loves Sr. I have ALWAYS been a Jr fan, and this film has welcomed me into an honest relationship, with all of its ugliness.

Time is finite, archives are what one makes of them, and child parent relationships vary by example. The Downeys exemplify this. And kudos to Jr for making "Sr," because it is a gem.

The forest view that RDJ provides of his father in his twilight years is as much a love language and path to understanding as it is a finessed effort to balance and setting the bar of creativity and life's imperfections for his own children.

Plus it's in black & white. Mostly. The self-aware choice of b & w elevates the subject imo, and truly provides a greater measure of reverence and artistry.

This documentary is the best example of following your art, following your heart, and never stop pursuing the next opportunity. Film, family, self-reflection.

I'd never seen any of Sr's films, nor knew anything about him. But this documentary was done with such love and pride about his work, it has me now searching for them, as well as some of the music on them (Charley Cuva, for one). I loved watching and listening to him - his smile and eyes as an older man, lit up the screen and he always sounded so positive and friendly - it made me wish I'd known him. He seemed like a really lovely man - someone you'd want to see and talk with every day. I couldn't help but compare his looks with Michael Caine (but that might just be me). I think they did a lovely job - and I love the black and white too.