The Story of Film: An Odyssey

A worldwide guided tour of the greatest movies ever made and the story of international cinema through the history of cinematic innovation.

The Story of Film: An Odyssey (2011) is a British documentary series created by Mark Cousins for Channel 4. Cousins presents and narrates the fifteen hour-long episodes himself, guiding viewers on a worldwide tour of the most important movies ever made and the history of international cinema. Rather than a single protagonist, the engine of the series is the chain of cinematic innovation: each episode follows how filmmakers in different countries discovered new techniques, from early experiments with motion and editing to the emergence of distinct national styles. Interviews and appearances by filmmakers and critics, including Lars von Trier, Paul Schrader, Jane Campion and Claudia Cardinale, add first-hand perspective, while Mario Cordova provides additional narration. The tone is enthusiastic, curious and warmly opinionated, with an emphasis on wonder at what images can do. Clips and stills are assembled into a sweeping essay that recalls the film-criticism spirit of Martin Scorsese's personal journeys through American movies and the global sweep of Civilisations. It is a single-season, self-contained survey, ideal for patient viewers who want an illuminating education in film.

Viewers broadly acclaim the series as an erudite, passionate and wide-ranging guided tour of cinema history, though its audience base is small.

• Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywoodglobal film history survey, guided essayistic documentary tone, cinema as cultural record
• A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Moviespersonal guided tour of cinema history, critic-led essayistic documentary, love of film craft
• The Story of Film: A New Generationsweeping documentary survey of a medium's history with critical commentary and archival clips
• Civilisationsessayistic docuseries on the history of an art form, scholarly yet accessible presenter-led tone

Created by

Mark Cousins

Release Date

2011-09-03

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

8.4 / 10 (69)

What is The Story of Film: An Odyssey about?

A globe-spanning, presenter-led tour of cinema's greatest films and the innovations that shaped them.

What is The Story of Film: An Odyssey like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Story of Film: An Odyssey as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Story of Film: An Odyssey violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Story of Film: An Odyssey.

What did critics think of The Story of Film: An Odyssey?

Viewers broadly acclaim the series as an erudite, passionate and wide-ranging guided tour of cinema history, though its audience base is small.

Which shows are like The Story of Film: An Odyssey?

Shows with a similar feel include Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood, A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies, The Story of Film: A New Generation, and Civilisations.

How long is The Story of Film: An Odyssey?

The Story of Film: An Odyssey: 1 season, 15 episodes.

Is The Story of Film: An Odyssey still running?

No, The Story of Film: An Odyssey has ended.

Where can I watch The Story of Film: An Odyssey?

In United States, The Story of Film: An Odyssey streams on Amazon Prime Video, JustWatch TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.