Hollywood’s origins are the stuff of myth. From the business arose larger than life characters with whom the public followed in every way they could. The moving pictures quickly established themselves as the dominant form of entertainment in a modern world. Among the innovators were the Warner brothers: Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack. Contrary to popular belief, they did not live in the movie lot water tower like the Wacko, Jacko and Dot did in the classic satirical 90s cartoon Animaniacs. Told from the insider’s perspective of Harry Warner’s granddaughter Cass Warner, comes a slightly Michael Moore-esque look at the establishment of the Warner empire in Hollywood.
The Brothers Warner is a fascinating documentary that goes into the most privileged of places American society once had to offer. It’s told from an insider’s perspective as well, add that much more credence and depth that others might not have been able to achieve. However, when a film is made by someone personally close to the subject and funded by the same company that the film’s ultimately about, I also wonder how honest everything really is. Warner presents a tremendous amount of balanced anecdotes and doesn’t take sides when she’s not directly involved with the story, but I still have a hard time accepting the film’s truth as the absolute truth.
They began as an exhibitor show some of the earliest films the cinema had to offer on a white bed sheet. Over time the Warners grew into distribution and production. They never looked back. Following a couple of risky ventures that paid off, not only can the Warner brothers be credited with changing movies forever, but they also made a ton of money in the process. But with great success comes great conflict. The Warners didn’t always get along. Family feuds were as regular as a box office hit.
The film is told in a first-person investigation, framed around Warner seeking out the original last name her family had when they immigrated to America. The director gets herself involved at times and narrated the picture, giving it the feeling of a Michael Moore film at times. Warner isn’t exactly courting controversy , though. She pays tribute to her family and the legacy they left behind. It’s plain to see that she had her favorites growing up, but even then she’s largely fair.
For me, the most fascinating parts of the documentary were about the evolution of the film industry and how the Warners fit into that. Watching The Brothers Warner, I definitely have a better appreciation for their company. The current corporate face doesn’t offer much of a glimpse inside. But with her familial connections, Warner is able to do just that. She has access others could only hope to have. She also has the personal connections, which make her voice something of an expert.
The Brothers Warner is a respectful and unique look at the American Dream. While the family might have experienced it and etched their name into immortality, things still weren’t perfect. Where the truth ends and the legend begins? Well, that’s always been part of the magic and mystery of film.
The Brothers Warner DVD Review
The Brothers Warner is shown in a widescreen format with an English Dolby Surround Stereo soundtrack. No additional bonus features are included with this release.
Trailer
