Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn (2009) movie backdrop
Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn (2009) movie poster
200976 minDocumentary
Audience VerdictSUPER HIT

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.0/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Documentary genre.

Is Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 76 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.02 votes
76Minutes
2009Release Year
Visual Story
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Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 2009, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Most rock fans may not know the name Anton Corbijn, but they've certainly seen his work. Under the direction of Josh Whiteman, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Bono. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. Most rock fans may not know the name Anton Corbijn, but they've certainly seen his work. Corbijn shot the iconic cover artwork for U2's The Joshua Tree and Depeche Mode's 101, and gave both groups a new and more dramatic visual persona in the process. Since them, Corbijn's work, bearing his trademark dark shadows and deep, textural details, has graced the covers of recordings by R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Morrissey, Nick Cave, John Lee Hooker and even Bon Jovi. Corbijn has also directed a number of music videos for the likes of Nirvana, Johnny Cash and Metallica, and made his debut as a feature film director in 2007 with Control, a screen biography of Ian Curtis of Joy Division (who Corbijn photographed several times in the group's heyday). In Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn, filmmaker Josh Whiteman offers an intimate look at the life and career of this celebrated visual artist, featuring interviews with Bono, Chris Martin, Michael Stipe, Dave Gahan and Bernard Sumner. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2009 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn (2009): with an audience rating of 7/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn movie hit or flop?

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.

Is Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn worth watching?

Yes, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.

Where can I watch Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn online?

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.0
Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn
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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn movie hit or flop?

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.

Is Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn worth watching?

Yes, Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.

Where can I watch Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn online?

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

What is the story of Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn?

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is a Documentary movie that follows: Most rock fans may not know the name Anton Corbijn, but they've certainly seen his work. Corbijn shot the iconic cover artwork for U2's The Joshua Tree and Depeche Mode's 101, and gave both groups a n...

Is Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn family friendly?

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.

What language is Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn available in?

Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

Most rock fans may not know the name Anton Corbijn, but they've certainly seen his work. Corbijn shot the iconic cover artwork for U2's The Joshua Tree and Depeche Mode's 101, and gave both groups a new and more dramatic visual persona in the process. Since them, Corbijn's work, bearing his trademark dark shadows and deep, textural details, has graced the covers of recordings by R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Morrissey, Nick Cave, John Lee Hooker and even Bon Jovi. Corbijn has also directed a number of music videos for the likes of Nirvana, Johnny Cash and Metallica, and made his debut as a feature film director in 2007 with Control, a screen biography of Ian Curtis of Joy Division (who Corbijn photographed several times in the group's heyday). In Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn, filmmaker Josh Whiteman offers an intimate look at the life and career of this celebrated visual artist, featuring interviews with Bono, Chris Martin, Michael Stipe, Dave Gahan and Bernard Sumner.

Critic Reviews

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