The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille Film Review

Overview of The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille

The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille is a 2017 documentary directed by Peter Brosnan, focusing on the excavation of the long-buried film set of the 1923 epic "The Ten Commandments," created by the legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille. The documentary blends a quest through local bureaucracy and sponsors with an exploration of DeMille's life and legacy.

Documentary Style and Production

The film has an amateur yet compelling feel, recalling a passion project fueled by decades of fascination with a piece of Hollywood history hidden beneath the California sands. Despite modest production values, the documentary is absorbing in its storytelling and cinematic archaeology approach. It serves as a heartfelt homage to DeMille, a pioneer often misunderstood in cinema history.

Critical Reception and Audience

The film appeals particularly to cinema history buffs and those interested in the preservation and stories behind classic Hollywood productions. It offers a "do-it-yourself" aesthetic, integrating multiple shoots over several years into a coherent and rhythmic narrative. However, viewers sensitive to permits and bureaucratic processes might find these aspects challenging.

Historical Significance

Cecil B. DeMille is renowned for epic productions like "The King of Kings" and "The Greatest Show on Earth." This documentary sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of his legacy by revealing the physical remnants of his 1923 production, symbolizing a tribute to his impact on filmmaking.

"Terrific love letter to a Director who has never been given appropriate due." — from a viewer commentary on the documentary.

This documentary offers an engaging journey into Hollywood history, mixing personal passion and film archaeology to honor a legendary filmmaker's forgotten set.

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IMDb IMDb — 2025-11-25

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