The rise of big-screen documentaries has been a curious phenomenon.  I started reviewing in mid-1990s and looking back through old spreadsheets, I can’t find any record of a documentary being formally released in Brisbane cinemas between 1996 and 2001.  The only chance to see them in theatres was at film festivals.  Helped by an increase in independent cinemas, the dam wall broke in 2002 with the release of Michael Moore’s Oscar-winning Bowling for Columbine.  We’ve now reached a point where I’ll see double-digit numbers each year (peaking at 31 during the COVID-impacted 2021).

So, what makes a documentary feature worth seeing in cinemas?  For me, it’s one which takes subject matters you know next-to-nothing about… and leave a lasting impact.  It might change your view on the world.  It might prompt you to do hours of further reading.  It might have you recounting the narrative when catching up with friends.  Personal favourites over the past decade have included The Last Journey, Flee, The Truffle Hunters, Collective, The Sparks Brothers, The Australian Dream, Free Solo, and The First Monday in May.  I could list dozens more if not sticking to a word limit!

On the flip side, weaker documentaries tend to be too narrow with their focus and messaging.  They’re still worth seeing (well, usually) but will only appeal to those already knowledgeable of the topic.  Further, they can fall into the trap of being a one-sided homage with interviewees lavishing compliment after compliment.  It’s like when “famous” folk pen a published autobiography.  Just because someone has been successful in life doesn’t also mean they’re an interesting person.

Marking the feature debut of director Stephen Soucy, Merchant Ivory is a 112-minute outing which chronicles the history of a small film production company which made over 40 movies between 1963 and 2009.  The focus is on producer Ismail Merchant, director James Ivory, screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and composer Richard Robbins.  The company became known for their adaptations of acclaimed literary works, usually period pieces.  Their most successful movies were A Room with a View (1986), Howards End (1992), and The Remains of the Day (1993) which earned a combined 25 Academy Award nominations.

Merchant Ivory lands roughly in the middle of my ranking scale.  I’m not convinced it has broad allure, and I wouldn’t be recommending to those who aren’t cinephiles.  That said, if you’re a movie tragic like me, it provides enthralling, behind-the-scenes insight into the filmmaking process.  They were a small company working with even smaller budgets.  To have survived for close to half-a-century and to have churned out so many classy, arthouse works… it’s a miracle.  The documentary includes interviews with the likes of Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, and Helena Bonham Carter as they recount their involvement with Merchant Ivory films.

Also exploring the unusual friendships/relationships of those within the production company, Merchant Ivory will be of interest… to those who are interested.