Wahl Street and 9 Other Great Hollywood Actor Documentaries | Pretty Reel

Wahl Street – the docuseries chronicling the everyday life of Mark Wahlberg – is back for a second season, and it’s still going strong. For an actor who based a scripted series (Entourage) on his life, revealing details about himself isn’t a challenge, so viewers are learning a lot with each new episode.

However, Wahlberg is just one of many actors to have their real lives explored on screen. Over the years, gripping sit-downs, imagery and storytelling have been combined to examine the lives of modern and old Hollywood stars. And even though the documentaries are numerous, some of them stand out as more captivating.

Val (2021)

Stream to Amazon Prime Video

Val Kilmer’s life is examined through footage shot by the actor himself in the aptly titled Val. The events, spanning four decades, are narrated by Kilmer’s son, Jack.

A good number of documentaries tend to be rooted in speculation because there is always little or no footage to back up everything that is said. Luckily, from childhood, Kilmer knew there would be a project like this in the future. For this reason, he always registered. Looking at Val, it’s easy to tell it’s set up to portray the actor in a good light, but for someone who’s had very few missteps, there’s never felt like a litter. is pushed under the couch.

Become Link (2017)

Stream on Hulu

George Lazenby was the only non-British actor to play James Bond as well as the only actor to play the character once. Through interviews, live footage and re-enacted dramatizations, Becoming Bond tells its story.

Moviegoers may forget Lazenby was Bond because he didn’t hang around long like the other actors, but the documentary proves he was the one who closely mirrored the real-life MI6 spy. Not only did Lazenby work his way up to get the role, but he was also cocky and charming from a young age. As he tells stories from the seat of the interviewee, even Lazenby himself can’t help but be amused by the outlandishness of some of his actions.

Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin (2003)

Stream on MUBI

Few documentaries premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, but when the subject is one of the people at the center of some of the best Silent Era films, the fanfare is bound to surge. Directed by Richard Shickel, The Life And Art Of Charles Chaplin is a conclusive biographical journey.

Minute by minute, the documentary reminds all who watch that Chaplin was no ordinary actor. His work ethic is highly emphasized, as is his overall talent. And for those who feel he might be overrated, stars like Johnny Depp and Martin Scorsese are placed in front of the character to repeat the message “Charlie is a genius” in their own words. By the time the credits start rolling, no important detail has been overlooked.

Tab Hunter Confidential (2015)

Stream on Vudu

Based on the autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential, the documentary focuses on Tab Hunter, an actor who also doubled as a singer. Events dance between Hunter’s career and struggles with his sexuality.

Today’s moviegoers hardly know the names of studio bosses, but from the 60s back they were major stars too. And through the experiences of Jack Warner, it becomes clear that it was not easy to work with them. Hunter’s love life is also a gripping story, as he has dated many stars in the past, including Antony Perkins, who played one of Alfred Hitchock’s most evil horror movie killers, Psycho. It is also acknowledged that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community during Hollywood’s Golden Age was not easy.

Robin Williams: Come Inside My Head (2018)

Stream on Hulu

Before his tragic death, few knew of the mental health issues that Robin Williams, a man who made so many laugh, faced throughout his life. Come Inside My Mind thus addresses the challenges of Robin Williams, while acknowledging his triumphs.

Just like in the Robin Williams films, there are several laughing moments in the documentary, but there are also plenty of sad ones, which makes the way director Marina Zenovich mixes joy and melancholy downright commendable. The viewer gets the impression that extensive research has also been done. Ideas are also coming from all directions, including industry titans such as David Letterman and Whoopi Goldberg.

The mystery of Marilyn Monroe: the unreleased tapes (2022)

Stream on Netflix

Decades after her death, Marylin Monroe remains a hot topic of discussion. Directed by Emma Cooper, The Marylin Monroe Mystery builds on Pulitzer Prize-nominated Anthony Summers’ three-year research into the mysterious circumstances of the star’s death.

Many Marylin Monroe films have been made, but most of them tend to overlook one important thing: her disappearance. Well, Cooper’s documentary sticks to those particular events, and viewers hear from everyone who matters, from Monroe’s psychiatrist, Ralph Greenson, to Bully Wilder. Plus, there’s also a shocking new revelation: Monroe died on her way to the hospital and not at her home in Brentwood.

Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey (2000)

Stream to Amazon Prime Video

Bruce Lee’s short but eventful life is chronicled in the documentary Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey. Exclusive information about the action star is also provided.

Dozens of Bruce Lee documentaries have been made over the years, but A Warrior’s Journey tops them all because it leaves out no important part when it comes to interviews. Fans of the actor will also be thrilled that there’s 23 minutes of footage from Lee’s latest unfinished project, Game Of Death. Fans can thus see a mini-movie in a documentary.

I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale (2009)

Stream on Vudu

John Cazale may not be well known to fans today, but he’s one of the actors with the best streak of good movies, having starred in five consecutive films nominated for Best Picture. But he is best known for playing Fredo in The Godfather and the documentary delves into his career.

As Cazale was quite private, viewers learn little about his personal life except for his time as a cancer patient. Nevertheless, there is enough information about his professional life to keep trained eyeballs on display. The list of interviews is also starred. It includes Al Pacino, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Francis Ford Coppola and Meryl Streep, who once dated the actor.

Jane Fonda in Five Acts (2018)

Stream on HBO Max

Few professionals in any field can boast a career spanning 60 years. Well, Jane Fonda can, and the documentary explains how she managed to do it.

Documentaries rarely fail to be enjoyable when the subject matter is so, and that’s the case with Jane Fonda. From her extensive filmography to her opposition to the Vietnam War to her feminist causes, there’s a lot of ground to cover, but it sure is all covered. Whether Jane Fonda in Five Acts was nominated for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special is another reason everyone should give it 133 minutes.

Rue Wahl (2021 – Present)

Stream on HBO Max

Mark Wahlberg struggles with the demands of being a famous Hollywood actor and managing a vast business empire. And since neither of them can be let go, he gives his all.

Most fans are only familiar with Wahlberg’s films and although some of them divide fans and critics, his business empire will impress everyone. With a gym chain, burger chain, clothing line, bottled water company, nutrition brand, and automotive group, Wahlberg certainly qualifies to be included among the guest sharks on Shark Tank. The actor isn’t shy about praising himself either, reminding everyone that sometimes it takes sleeping at 2:30 a.m. and locking yourself in a cryogenic chamber for an hour to realize what he’s got. accomplished.