What makes How to Build a Time Machine such a great documentary is that isn’t just interested in watching Niosi and Mallett chase after their eccentric goals. Cheel really keys in on the nature of fixation.
With Hot Docs underway in just a few days, our Toronto correspondent Mike Waldman speaks with Jay Cheel, the writer-director of Beauty Day, which chronicles the life (and injuries) of stunt-TV pioneer Ralph Zavadil. Just ahead of its Canadian premiere at the fest, Cheel discusses the film’s style, Zavadil’s personality, and Cheel’s documentary influences. – …