Is Survival Scars: Franklin J. Schaffner as Auteur Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Survival Scars: Franklin J. Schaffner as Auteur (2023), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Franklin J. Schaffner is the man behind a great many iconic American films: Planet of the Apes (1968), Patton (1970), Papillon (1973), The Boys from Brazil (1978), and others. Though he was an often enigmatically quiet but no less confident and decisive filmmaker, seldom was he discussed as an "auteur" director, despite his Academy Award win for Best Director and many august institutions naming coveted awards for "excellence in directing" after him. Daniel Kremer takes a deep dive into Schaffner's distinguished career, examining visual and thematic tropes that render his work extremely personal and part of a vast picture."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Survival Scars: Franklin J. Schaffner as Auteur, even the presence of Franklin J. Schaffner struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Survival Scars: Franklin J. Schaffner as Auteur worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Survival Scars: Franklin J. Schaffner as Auteur misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 37 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.