by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What is a classic tale that speaks to so many people across cultures? Fiddler on the Roof. It is about tradition, family, love, and the basic human struggle. This deeply resonant musical has been performed across the world with all types of cultures. A previous documentary, Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles, captured this cross-cultural appeal as the basic themes from the show translate so well across cultures and beliefs systems. We all have traditions and conventions that we stick to, which will eventually be challenged. The role of Tevye is every man. He loves his family, but wishes for a better life with less struggle. Who couldn’t relate to such an idea?
The latest documentary highlighting the legacy of this show takes the specific approach to this story being adapted to the big screen. There is a long history of stage shows turning into films and, Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen shows the context to how this one happened. With some always welcome narration from Jeff Goldblum (such an inspired choice), this film from director Daniel Raim helps paint a picture of how this came about. Much of the perspective is offered up by Norman Jewison (the director of the classic film). But why now? Fiddler celebrates 50 years since it first came to the silver screen, and as mentioned before, it still resonates.
Does Journey to the Big Screen standout in the ever-saturated world of documentary filmmaking? From a technical perspective, not so much. There are no bold filmmaking techniques nor inventive approaches to storytelling. But that is not enough to take away from Raim’s film. There is a passion and love for the project that carries you from the opening moment, all the way until the curtains close. Where this film thrives is on the backs of the filmmakers and actors who offer up their perspectives on the project. Jewison is incredibly endearing and an absolute joy to watch on screen. His presence alone makes this documentary worth experiencing. Topol, Rosaliand Harris, and many more offer up plenty of zeal.
Will you be going out of your way to take this Journey to the Big Screen? This is an intriguing story of the filmmaking process. Finding our Tevye to finding the right place to film it are all told in a compelling and interesting way. The heart of the original show bleeds into this documentary making it a heartwarming experience (which carries us until the film frame).
Score: 7/10
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