Living in the Age of Airplanes (2015)

Directed by

Brian J. Terwilliger

Genre

short film, documentary film, independent film, epic film

Country

United States

Runtime

47 min

Rating

7.8 of 10 from 17 voters

Elsewhere

IMDb

How it feels

This documentary looks at how airplanes have changed the way people travel and connect across the world. It was filmed on all seven continents and uses many different camera styles to show the beauty and impact of flight.

awe-inspiringcontemplativeupliftingsweepingpositivecelebratorypeacefulwonder-filled

What happens

Living in the Age of Airplanes is a 2015 American epic documentary film written, directed, and produced by Brian J. Terwilliger. Narrated by Harrison Ford, it explores the way commercial aviation has revolutionized transportation and the many ways it affects everyday lives, and it concludes with a positive endorsement of flying. The film's themes include connections and perspectives, using several cinematographic styles to convey its message. Terwilliger conceived the idea of the film in 2007, two years after releasing his feature directorial debut One Six Right. He intended it as a reliving of the feeling of flying for the first time and a celebration of the aviation industry. Production began independently in 2009, with filming taking place a year later in eighteen countries across all seven continents, becoming the first IMAX film to be made on such a scale. It used the first entry of the Arri Alexa digital camera. Filming took over 100 days. Post-production took place between 2013 and 2014. James Horner, who died in 2015, composed the score later released in 2016. Despite having 260 hours of raw footage, the film becomes only 47 minutes long when edited and divided into five chapters. Living in the Age of Airplanes was initially planned to be released as Aviation: The Invisible Highway before National Geographic Films acquired it for distribution. It premiered on April 6, 2015, on a special Emirates flight, before its theatrical release on April 8. Ford's accident in his airplane just before the premiere attracted more interest in the film. It was released for streaming and on home video in 2016. Critics praised its technical and narrative aspects, but some felt it lacked in discussing the history and disadvantages of aviation; fans of One Six Right were disappointed by its difference. Terwilliger disagreed with most of the criticisms. The film won three awards, two of which in regards for Horner's score. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

Trailer

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