Plunging On Alone: Monte Hellman's Life in a Day

Monte Hellman was born in 1932. By 1986 he made eight features, but had not directed for six years. I had made as many documentaries, but had not turned a foot of film through a camera for two years. I decided to break the silence by spending a day with him. Nine rolls were loaded into the camera. We talked until either we or the camera ran out.

Directed by Paul Joyce, Plunging On Alone: Monte Hellman's Life in a Day leans on a strong ensemble — Monte Hellman, Paul Joyce — 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 1986.