retrospect s golden era american cinema demonstrated explored documentary directed ted demme richard lagravenese ifc effort serves illustrate clarify main idea time meant careers illustrious people seen documentarybr br the amazing body work remains legacy people involved art making movies period decade marked end viet nam war turbulent finale years jimmy carters presidencybr br one thing comes clear films today measure movies came creative decade industry whole changed dramatically big studios nowadays want go tame pictures instant hits without consideration content integrity long bottom line shows millions dollars revenuesbr br the thing emerges hearing americas best creative minds speak importance independent film spirit thing afford creators great moral artistic rewardsbr br this documentary must see movie fans