Watch California Typewriter

California Typewriter is a compelling and nostalgic 2016 documentary film that serves as an homage to the typewriter, a piece of technology that has been rendered nearly obsolete in today's digital age. Directed by Doug Nichol, the film explores the enduringness of the typewriter, its creators, and the dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts who keep the machines from disappearing entirely.

The film's opening sequence sets the tone for the documentary and immediately transports the viewer to a different era. The camera pans over a beautiful array of old-school typewriters, clacking away as their keys thump rhythmically - the organic sound track to an increasingly electronic world.

The viewer meets various figures in the film, including typewriter repairmen, collectors, and a musician who exclusively uses vintage typewriters to compose and record his compositions. The viewer can see the unique devotion that these characters have to their machines and how they express creativity through a simple, analog lifestyle choice. However, the heart of the movie is undoubtedly its discussions with Tom Hanks - an avid typewriter collector himself - about the history and cultural significance of these machines.

The narrative of the film jumps - sometimes seamlessly, sometimes not - between the present day and the past, touching on how the typewriter's invention over a century ago has influenced society, art, and literature. The audience sees the people who have a deep affinity for their sturdy and reliable writing machines, and how the typewriter has endured through generations, yet now faces a poignant shift in the way we think and produce written words.

The most exciting aspect of the movie is its discussion about the creative process behind writing. It questions the impact of technology on creativity, while also recognizing the powerful tactile satisfaction of typing on an actual machine. The documentary is full of engaging interviews and thoughtful discussions, with a perspective that is as introspective as it is prescient.

California Typewriter is a marvelous reminder of an uncomplicated time when machines were made to last and the written word was something to be nurtured, cherished and preserved. The film captures the beauty and heritage of these vintage machines and communicates the love that collectors and creators, young and old, devote to them. It is a vibrant tribute to all those who have been inspired by the stark beauty of these sometimes temperamental instruments, which now reside as cherished relics of a lost era.

In conclusion, California Typewriter is a heartwarming and compelling film that explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and the pleasure of the tactile. As the film illustrates, typewriters may have become antiquated in the digital age, yet they have left their indelible mark on the world of words forever. It's a must-watch for the avid writer or anyone who wants a better understanding of the role technology plays in art and creativity.

California Typewriter is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 80.