The title itself lays Cousins open to the criticism that he's attempting the impossible in a single series length project (Odysseus took ten years!). However, where he does succeed is in providing an expert, personal and highly coherent exploration of cinema's technological innovations and artistic and commercial developments. He is impassioned and articulate and his journey goes way beyond the western mainstream and reveals how narrow our experience of cinema actually is. It's been a joy to see tantalisingly brief clips from films I'd only previously read about and Cousins' examination of the craft of film-making is fascinating and genuinely revelatory. The interviewees are well-chosen and all are able to provide insights into film itself rather than superficial autobiography. I found Cousins himself to be a warmly enthusiastic guide and his narration a welcome relief from the ubiquitous and tedious celebrity voice-over.
The series is not a history of Hollywood and will disappoint those who are looking for such, but for anyone with a genuine interest in world cinema it's a treat. I've been entertained and educated by an expert who's introduced me to films and directors I'll now be seeking out. It's the best kind of film education and the sort of thing TV does so well - I'll miss it when it ends.
The series is not a history of Hollywood and will disappoint those who are looking for such, but for anyone with a genuine interest in world cinema it's a treat. I've been entertained and educated by an expert who's introduced me to films and directors I'll now be seeking out. It's the best kind of film education and the sort of thing TV does so well - I'll miss it when it ends.