Watch The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film

The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film is a documentary released in 2007 that takes a deep dive into the portrayal of librarians in movies throughout history. The film examines the ways in which librarians have been portrayed and how these portrayals affect the perception of librarians in society. The documentary features interviews with librarians, authors, and even movie directors about their thoughts on the representation of librarians in film.

One of the notable figures interviewed in this documentary is Ray Bradbury, the science-fiction writer who is known for his works such as Fahrenheit 451 and Something Wicked This Way Comes. Bradbury is a long-time advocate of libraries and has always been a strong supporter of librarians. His inclusion in the documentary lends weight to the film's exploration of the relationship between libraries and popular culture.

The movie begins by examining the earliest portrayals of librarians in movies. We see clips from silent films and early talkies that feature shushing, uptight librarians who are strict enforcers of rules within the library. The documentary then moves through different eras of movie history, from the film noir of the 1940s to the more progressive movies of the 1960s and 1970s. We see how the role of the librarian has evolved in film over time, from being depicted as a stern taskmaster to a more nuanced and complex figure.

As the documentary progresses, we see how different genres of film have portrayed librarians. We see librarians in horror movies, in romantic comedies, and in science-fiction films. We see how a librarian can be portrayed as a hero, a victim, or even a villain. Through it all, the documentary asks us to consider the real-life role of librarians, and how their portrayal in film might influence how people view them.

One of the key themes of the film is the power of storytelling. Librarians are portrayed throughout the movie as people who value and promote the importance of stories. They are presented as people who are passionate about the written word and who understand the value of a good narrative. This idea is reinforced by the fact that many of the movies that feature librarians are themselves stories about storytelling. Whether it is a mystery set in a library or a romance that takes place among the stacks, the librarian is often a central figure in the story.

Another theme of the movie is the idea of transformation. Throughout the documentary, we see examples of librarians who undergo a metamorphosis in their roles. They start off as socially awkward, even repressed individuals, but through their interactions with other characters in the film, they come to see themselves in a new light. This transformation is often linked to the librarian's embrace of the story, and the power that storytelling has to change people's lives.

The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that will appeal to anyone who loves movies and books. It provides insight into the ways in which librarians have been portrayed in film, and how those portrayals reflect broader cultural trends. At its heart, however, the movie is a celebration of the transformative power of storytelling, and the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep our libraries open and to promote the value of reading and reflection.

The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.