Frank Capra's American Dream

Solid, interesting, informative documentary on Frank Capra both the man and his improbable journey from immigrant poverty to being one of the best known directors of all time.

One of the most interesting aspects is the way the documentary shows Capra's best work was often darker and less corny or sentimentalized than it's remembered. Heroes earn any happy endings they get, and there is often pain, self-doubt and loss along the way. It makes the valid point that emotional and ultimately hopeful is far different from sentimental and corny, and Capra knew and fought for that difference.

For the most part the interviews with other directors, actors, friends and family are very effective. Although there are a few Hollywood types who's connection to Capra and his work seems tenuous at best, and sometimes analysis gives way to gushing.

While not quite deep, emotional or revelatory enough to be a great film, it is a very good one, that any film buff should certainly see.