Watch Casting By

Casting By is a 2012 documentary film directed by Tom Donahue that explores the history and significance of casting directors in Hollywood. The film focuses on the life and work of Marion Dougherty, a legendary casting director who was instrumental in launching the careers of some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Clint Eastwood, James Dean, and Robert Duvall.

The film features interviews with numerous Hollywood figures discussing the vital role of casting directors in the movie-making process. Actors such as Robert Redford, Al Pacino, and Jon Voight speak about the importance of finding the right actors for a role and the invaluable contributions of casting directors. The film also includes interviews with directors, producers, and casting directors themselves, providing a holistic picture of the casting process.

Throughout the documentary, Dougherty emerges as a trailblazer in the field of casting. She began her career in the 1940s as a casting director for live television dramas, where she discovered unknown actors such as James Dean and Warren Beatty. She went on to become a casting director at major production companies like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures, where she helped cast iconic films such as Midnight Cowboy, The Graduate, and Lethal Weapon.

The film acknowledges that casting directors often go unrecognized in Hollywood, as they are not usually credited in the same way that directors, writers, and actors are. By shining a spotlight on Dougherty's career and the work of other casting directors, Casting By raises awareness about the important role these professionals play in the film industry.

In addition to examining the history of casting, the film also discusses the contemporary state of the industry. Interviews with casting directors such as Ellen Lewis and Juliet Taylor reveal the ongoing challenges of finding the right actors for roles in an industry that is often driven by celebrity status and marketability over talent.

Overall, Casting By is an informative and engaging film that sheds light on a critical aspect of the movie-making process. Through its focus on Marion Dougherty and other casting directors, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of these professionals and their impact on the film industry as a whole.

Casting By is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 70.