The Great Ecstasy of Tree-Climber Otto, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Late Preminger

Otto Preminger wasn't only one of the most famous directors of classic Hollywood. He was a presence, a brand, and the only one who rivaled Hitchcock as the greatest showman and self-promoter of his generation. But toward the end of his career, his attempts to "get with the times" (with films like Skidoo, Tell Me That You Love Me Junie Moon, Such Good Friends, Hurry Sundown, and others) shocked, alienated, and outright repelled audiences. What happened to Otto and how can one best appreciate and enjoy those confounding later works?

Directed by Daniel Kremer, The Great Ecstasy of Tree-Climber Otto, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Late Preminger leans on a strong ensemble — Otto Preminger, Daniel Kremer — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2022.