About Cinema Verite

Cinema Verite is a 2011 drama film directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the groundbreaking 1973 PBS documentary series "An American Family." The plot revolves around the Lovell family from Santa Barbara, California, and their struggles in dealing with the intrusion of cameras into their family life, and the emotional toll it took on them.

Making / Production

The film's directors, Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, were careful to recreate the 1970s era, both in terms of set design and costumes. The filmmakers also incorporated actual footage from the original documentary, giving the movie a layered, authentic feel.

Actors

• Diane Lane as Pat Loud - Lane convincingly portrayed the matriarch of the family, who was unprepared for the exposure the documentary brought.
• Tim Robbins as Bill Loud - Robbins played the role of the father whose marital infidelity was openly aired on the show.
• James Gandolfini as Craig Gilbert - Gandolfini's character was the producer who developed the idea for the documentary and was responsible for the Lovells' exposure.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film was initially released on HBO rather than in theaters.
• James Gandolfini's character, Craig Gilbert, was a real-life producer who created "An American Family."
• The real Lovell family gave no endorsement of the film and had no participation in its making.

Quotes

• "This show could be something extraordinary." - James Gandolfini as Craig Gilbert
• "There's no such thing as truth in filmmaking, only perspective." - Diane Lane as Pat Loud
• "Our family is under attack!" - Tim Robbins as Bill Loud

Music, Soundtrack

• "Family Affair" by Sly & the Family Stone - This funk/soul track sets the tone of the movie and perfectly captures the era.
• "Small Town Talk" by Bobby Charles - This song punctuates the film's emotional scenes.