Music & Musicals
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The Decline of Western Civilization
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The Decline of Western Civilization

1981
Before she directed Wayne and Garth in Wayne's World, Penelope Spheeris helmed this music-driven documentary about the hard-hitting Los Angeles punk scene, a film that proved so potent at its first screening that it was banned by the LAPD. Highlights include live performances by Black Flag, the Germs, X, the Bags, Circle Jerks, Catholic Discipline and Fear, plus interviews with the bands and the extreme fans who love them.

Directed by:

  • Penelope Spheeris
    • rating:4.4.png 4.4 Average Rating


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    U2 3D
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    U2 3D

    2008
    Irish rock legends U2 take their sound to a new dimension -- literally -- in this 3D concert experience. Culled from more than 700 hours of footage captured during the band's "Vertigo" tour, the film was shot with a record number of 3D cameras. Watch Bono and the boys perform such hits as "Vertigo," "Beautiful Day," "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "With or Without You" before adoring crowds in Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

    Directed by:

  • Catherine Owens
    • rating:4.2.png 4.2 Average Rating


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    The Decline of Western Civilization Part III
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    The Decline of Western Civilization Part III

    1998
    Director Penelope Spheeris completes her trilogy documenting the Los Angeles music scene with this look at the homeless teens who roamed the streets in the late 1990s and professed to live a punk lifestyle of music, drugs and authority flouting. Spheeris maintains a tender attitude toward her young subjects, who often don't truly understand the culture that began before they were born. Songs by Final Conflict and Naked Aggression are featured.

    Directed by:

  • Penelope Spheeris
    • rating:4.1.png 4.1 Average Rating


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    Lemonade Mouth
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    Lemonade Mouth

    2011
    Detention may seem an unlikely launching pad, but that's exactly what it turns out to be for five high school students who meet there by (mis)chance and form a band that not only rocks their school but becomes a force for good in this Disney musical.

    Directed by:

  • Patricia Riggen
    • rating:4.1.png 4.1 Average Rating


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    The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years
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    The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years

    1988
    Featuring concert footage and interviews with stars and fans, the second of director Penelope Spheeris's documentaries about the Los Angeles music scene focuses on heavy metal, the raucous genre that has provoked controversy since the late 1960s. With her penetrating questions about sex, drugs, money and gender politics, Spheeris examines the lives of rock idols Ozzy Osbourne, Paul Stanley and Steven Tyler, as well as those of their devoted fans.

    Directed by:

  • Penelope Spheeris
    • rating:4.1.png 4.1 Average Rating


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    Music Instinct: Science and Song
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    Music Instinct: Science and Song

    2009
    Its impact bridging time, geography and culture, music serves to unite all peoples of the globe. This groundbreaking documentary explores how and why humans are so inexorably affected by rhythm and melody. Art and science intersect as leading researchers and prominent musicians such as Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma reveal surprising connections between music, the brain, the body and human evolution.

    Directed by:

  • Elena Mannes
    • rating:4.0.png 4.0 Average Rating


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    The Miracle Worker
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    The Miracle Worker

    2000
    Unable to see, hear or speak since early childhood, young Helen Keller (Hallie Kate Eisenberg) lives in an isolated world of shadowy silence. That is, until determined teacher Anne Sullivan (Alison Elliott) enters her life, determined to draw the girl out of her lonely darkness. David Strathairn co-stars in this moving television adaptation of the timeless -- and true -- tale of courage and spirit, based on the play by William Gibson.

    Directed by:

  • Nadia Tass
    • rating:4.0.png 4.0 Average Rating


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    Midsomer Murders: They Seek Him Here
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    Midsomer Murders: They Seek Him Here

    2007
    When a formerly successful movie director turns up dead, beheaded by a guillotine, on the set of his latest low-budget production, detectives Barnaby (John Nettles) and Jones (Jason Hughes) wade through a multitude of suspects, including the producer and an ex-con security guard. Other possible wrongdoers in this episode of the popular British murder-mystery series include an alcoholic actor, the director's former lover and an old friend.

    Directed by:

  • Sarah Hellings
    • rating:3.9.png 3.9 Average Rating


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    Atlantic Records: The House that Ahmet Built
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    Atlantic Records: The House that Ahmet Built

    2007
    With a $10,000 loan from his dentist, Ahmet Ertegun co-founded Atlantic Records in 1947. By the 1950s Atlantic was the country's premier R&B label. Ertegun's wondrous rise is recounted in this lively episode from the PBS series "American Masters." It took director Susan Steinberg more than four years to capture Ertegun in candid conversations with music greats Robert Plant, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Ray Charles and many others.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Steinberg
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    As I Lay Dying: This is Who We Are
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    As I Lay Dying: This is Who We Are

    2009
    Jam-packed with a feature-length documentary, live performance footage and music videos, this comprehensive compilation gives fans a backstage pass to the history and music of Grammy-nominated metal band As I Lay Dying. Formed in San Diego in 2000, the group has garnered an extensive fan following. The documentary includes a series of fascinating interviews with the band members and their friends, families and colleagues.

    Directed by:

  • Denise Korycki
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Shut Up & Sing
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    Shut Up & Sing

    2006
    Directed by Barbara Kopple (of Harlan County, U.S.A. fame), this documentary centers on country music's The Dixie Chicks and their nationwide vilification over critical statements they made about President Bush in 2003. Over a three-year period, the singers went from darlings of the industry to political targets, receiving constant death threats and being demonized by the national media and denounced by their fans. Cecilia Peck co-directs.

    Directed by:

  • Cecilia Peck
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Fidel
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    Fidel

    2002
    This documentary by director Estela Bravo takes a look at the political and social impact the immensely powerful Cuban dictator Fidel Castro has had on the world during the 40-plus years he's been in power. Through interviews with politicians (Nelson Mandela, Arthur Schlesinger), friends (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), and other cultural experts (Alice Walker), Fidel's personality and work are explored and discussed.

    Directed by:

  • Estela Bravo
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Battlefield Britain
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    Battlefield Britain

    2004
    Britain has long witnessed battles waged on its native soil, as documented in this fascinating series that uses computer-generated graphics to reenact actual events. Discover how the Battle of Culloden, which led to the disintegration of the Highland clan structure, unfolded; see how William III conquered James II at the Battle of the Boyne; and find out how the English Civil War ended at the Battle of Naseby.

    Directed by:

  • Mary Cranitch
    • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra
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    Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra

    2006
    Celtic-New Age-world music sensation Loreena McKennitt brings her trademark ethereal stylings to Spain's most historic medieval fortress, the Alhambra, for a mystical evening of music. Backed by a stellar band, McKennitt delivers magical renditions of "The Mystic's Dream," "The Mummers' Dance," "The Bonny Swans," "Santiago," "Dante's Prayer" and "Cymbeline."

    Directed by:

  • Julia Knowles
    • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Green Lantern: First Flight
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    Green Lantern: First Flight

    2009
    While under the tutelage of senior Green Lantern member Sinestro (voiced by Victor Garber), test pilot Hal Jordan (Christopher Meloni) learns that key members of the intergalactic police squad are conspiring to destroy the organization from within. Despite his inexperience, Hal sets out to thwart the traitors and preserve the Lantern Corps' sanctity. Michael Madsen and Tricia Helfer also lend their voices to this animated sci-fi adventure.

    Directed by:

  • Lauren Montgomery
    • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Harp Dreams
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    Harp Dreams

    2010
    Blythe Danner narrates this music-driven documentary about the prestigious USA International Harp Competition, a discriminating contest held every three years that attracts talented harpists from all over the world. With footage shot in the United States, Paris, Moscow and Zurich, Switzerland, the film follows a handful of young contenders all vying for the coveted grand prize: a lucrative recording contract and a priceless instrument.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Schwibs
    • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Now and Then
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    Now and Then

    1995
    Waxing nostalgic about the bittersweet passage from childhood to puberty in this tender coming-of-age tale, four childhood girlfriends -- Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha and Roberta -- recall the magical summer of 1970. During their walk down memory lane, they reconcile experiences with boys, secrets, bullies and more. Lesli Linka Glatter directs; Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Cloris Leachman, Thora Birch and Christina Ricci co-star.

    Directed by:

  • Lesli Linka Glatter
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Now and Then (1995)
    A heartwarming movie about four childhood girlfriends who, in adulthood reunion, relive their experience of the life-changing summer of 1970, including a mystery death, divorce, standing up to the boys, first kiss, and the meaning of true friendship. Each explores her unique identity amidst family and friends. Beautifully directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
    - Frances   
    We periodically update our movie database by adding new female directors and their movies. If you would like to receive notice of these new additions when they happen, please email us at:
    frances 'at' femaledirectors.com