[Chuck Butler]

The purpose of this thread is to compile a list of films documenting human excellence and achievement. Most are available on Netflix, and have been mentioned and/or discussed on HBL. Feel free to reply with additional titles; I will periodically add to the main list.

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20 Feet from Stardom (2013). The invaluable and often overlooked contributions of the backup singers who stand just out of the spotlight.

Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged (2011). Discusses the remarkable prescience of AR’s 1957 novel, particularly in relation to political developments in the U.S. Features interviews with many prominent Objectivists including Dr. Binswanger.

Ayn Rand: In Her Own Words (2011). Assemblage of broadcast clips of AR discussing her philosophy and work.

Apollo 13 (Docudrama, 1995). NASA engineers are forced to scramble when a malfunction threatens the lives of the Apollo 13 astronauts.

Art & Copy (2009). An inside look at those committed to creating compelling and effective advertising.

A Sense of Life (1998). Michael Paxton’s Oscar-nominated biography of Ayn Rand. Includes interviews with Drs. Binswanger and Peikoff.

Chops (2007). Wynton Marsalis helps young jazz musicians develop their skills.

Harp Dreams (2010). Young harpists prepare for and compete in the prestigious USA International Harp Competition.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011). Sushi chef Jiro Ono perfects the art and craft of sushi preparation.

Knuckleball! (2012). This film documents the challenges faced by those who have attempted to master baseball’s most difficult pitch. Focuses in particular on the careers of Tim Wakefield and R. A. Dickey.

Modern Marvels: Disney World (2006). The design philosophy and remarkable engineering effort behind the Walt Disney World theme park.

Moneyball (Docudrama, 2011). Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane uses Sabermetrics to defeat teams with much larger payrolls.

Neil Peart: A Work in Progress (2002). Drummer and lyricist Neil Peart of the rock band Rush labors to perfect his playing style in preparation for the album “Test for Echo.” Includes a brief discussion of Ayn Rand’s influence on Peart’s lyrics.

Pianomania (2009). A master technician prepares Steinway pianos for some of the world’s most demanding performers.

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010). Chronicles the history of the influential band. Includes a brief  (though not entirely accurate) discussion of Ayn Rand’s influence on the band.

Somm (2012). This film documents the incredibly challenging course of study needed to pass the Master Sommelier exam. Those who succeed are regarded as the world’s foremost wine experts.

The Cliburn: Playing on the Edge (2001). Young pianists prepare for and compete in the prestigious Cliburn piano competition.

The Pixar Story (2007). John Lasseter’s quest to make better animated films intersects with Steve Jobs’ passion to deliver the technology and entrepreneurship to make this possible.

Temple Grandin (Docudrama, 2010). An autistic woman develops her unique skills to achieve her values.

They Came to Play (2008). Dedicated pianists prepare for and compete in the 2007 International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs. 

Tim’s Vermeer (2013). Fascinating account of inventor Tim Jenison’s effort to recreate Vermeer’s “The Music Lesson.” Hosted by Penn Jillette.

Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman (2008). A look at the exacting work of architectural photographer Julius Shulman.

Wordplay (2006). The rigorous preparation undertaken by competitors in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament.

Word Wars (2004). The rigorous preparation undertaken by competitors in the National Championship Scrabble Tournament.

[JohnWilliams]

I really enjoyed “Something the Lord Made” (2004), which is is about the relationship between a white surgeon and his black lab technician in the 1940s.

[RBadmin]

Hi Chuck. As you have a few Rush/Neil Peart films listed, you might want to check out the Classic Albums episode of 2112/Moving Pictures. It actually included a brief interview with John Ridpath (who told me he was interviewed for several hours, though they only showed a few seconds of him on screen). There is additional footage on Rand’s influence, which was at its height decades ago.

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