A six-part documentary series presented by Turner Classic Movies (TCM), The Power of Film is an enlightening and surprisingly emotional journey into the heart of American cinema. Hosted by the distinguished UCLA professor emeritus, Howard Suber, this series offers viewers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate art of storytelling within beloved films. It transcends the conventional documentary format by presenting Suber’s insights in the form of an engaging lecture intertwined with captivating movie scenes, from the expected Lawrence of Arabia and The Godfather to more-recent releases like Moonlight and Call Me By Your Name. This docuseries not only educates but also evokes a profound appreciation for the power of film and its enduring impact on our lives.

While you may think you know why you love film: the actors, the sets, the time in which you saw it, Suber acts as a pseudo therapist – digging deeper into why we love it as he takes us on a compelling exploration of what makes certain American films unforgettable. His expertise and passion for storytelling is evident as he delves into the defining principles that set apart iconic movies from the rest. Produced by Doug Pray and Laura Gabbert, both of whom studied under Suber at UCLA, The Power of Film is a seamless translation of teachings woven into a visually captivating narrative.

The first episode, “Popular and Memorable,” (Aired January 4) examines the phenomenon of films that stand the test of time. Suber poses the question of why only a tiny fraction of commercially successful American films become truly memorable across generations. Through iconic scenes from classic films, viewers are invited to ponder what gives this minority of movies such enduring power. Granted, these subjective choices are coming from a male from older generation – perhaps a younger female would have chosen things other than The Godfather, Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey and may have found “memorable” in her own terms: Ladybird, When Harry Met Sally, Grease, Titanic, to name a few (However, the docuseries does include Thelma and Lousie and Hidden Figures, so there are smatterings of women-centric films).

The second episode, “Trapped,” (Airing January 11) Suber delves into the concept that nearly all memorable stories, in movies and real life, revolve around traps. He explores how the most memorable tales often entail loss, sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of the central character’s journey to escape their predicament. It is revelatory and even more compelling than the first episode, making the viewer reflect on the common thread of entrapment in film like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life and less obvious choices that will surely surprise.

As the series unfolds for the remainder of January and February, The Power of Film will surely continue to offer intriguing insights into the art of storytelling and the themes people subconsciously understand yet struggle to put words to. Suber’s slow, yet engaging lecture style allows viewers to connect emotionally with the content and think deeper – for longer. 

In a world inundated with bite-sized content, The Power of Film serves as a refreshing reminder of why we fell in love with feature-length pictures in the first place. This docuseries is also a testament to the brilliance of Howard Suber’s teachings and the importance of teachers themselves. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply curious about the art of storytelling, this TCM docuseries is a must-watch that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world of cinema.