Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

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Ron S Apr 27, 2019 Norman Lear was just a big name to me all these years as I never actually went back and watched The Jeffersons, All in the Family and the others. And didn't realize how much he changed the television studio system on tackling radical and realistic issues. This doc is highly focused on how his family life influenced his craft but also a strong and well-paced essay on how his shows shaped various voices and cultures for mainstream sitcoms. See more

Leia M Mar 13, 2017 Solid look at the man and his career but a little more look at the actual shows might have been nice. Also, it kind of makes the argument that it was him alone that was responsible for everything. Well, you had writers, actors, directors, etc that did a little helping too! Still, he's super important and this was a great peer into why. See more

Theodore P Dec 22, 2016 I streamed this on PBS as part of the American Masters series. This documentary uses a kid in a backstage dressing room or on stage under a spotlight wearing Lear's signature white hat to break up the sections of the narrative with black box theatricality. This is the tale of a humble life and a fascinating career. Norman Lear's work in television speaks volumes. In the interviews he is uncomfortable revealing things about himself. This doc made me excited to watch more of his work. Many, many actors who worked on his shows back in the day and Hollywood folks who grew up watching his shows sit down for interviews. Shows produced and written by Lear were full of laughs and also touched on political issues. Despite further political divides in recent times, this documentary about a guy speaking to America through their TV sets in the 70s and 80s was inspiring. It makes you think that Americans could become better versions of themselves. See more

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Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

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