CASTING BY

Cinemavixion Review

In the often-overlooked realm of filmmaking, where the spotlight typically shines on directors and actors, Tom Donahue's "Casting By" (2012) emerges as a vital documentary that champions the unsung heroes: the casting directors. This film meticulously chronicles the evolution of this crucial profession over the last half-century of Hollywood history, revealing how pioneers like Marion Dougherty and Lynn Stalmaster fundamentally reshaped the cinematic landscape. Their keen eye for talent and intuitive understanding of character paved the way for the New Hollywood era, influencing iconic films such as 'Midnight Cowboy,' 'The Graduate,' and 'Bonnie and Clyde.' Drawing from extensive archival material and intimate interviews with a constellation of stars and filmmakers—including Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, and Bette Midler—Donahue constructs a compelling narrative. The documentary not only celebrates the artistic contributions of casting directors but also critiques the industry's historical tendency to marginalize their work, notably the absence of an Oscar for their efforts. With a commendable 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.6/10 on IMDb, "Casting By" is a thoroughly researched and engaging tribute that grants long-overdue recognition to those who masterfully assemble the talent that brings stories to life.