Chesley Bonestell: A Brush With The Future

Chesley Bonestell: A Brush With The Future is an illuminating 2018 documentary about the life and career of Chesley Bonestell, one of the pioneering forces behind the realm of special effects in Hollywood and a seminal influence in the domain of science fiction art and futurist paintings.

Chesley Bonestell (1888-1986) is not a household name, however his work and influence pervade much of modern science fiction and help shape our understandings of space exploration. This pioneering artist and illustrator is credited with invoking and broadening the popular interest in space - a literal 'star' in his right.

This compelling documentary hinges on the personal recollections and stories about and by Bonestell. Interestingly, despite being focused on a man who passed away over 30 years before the film's release, Bonestell’s presence serves as the narrator of his own story. Vintage film interviews, accompanied by a treasure trove of archived material, build up a comprehensive narrative of his life and works, combining the past and the present. It provides audiences with an intimate look at the extraordinary life and vision of a man who, unbeknownst to many, has essentially affected our perception of the Universe.

His brush strokes conjured breathtaking vistas of space before we could physically travel beyond the Earth. Bonestell’s photorealistic paintings of planets and stars done in the mid-twentieth century helped popularize space travel and laid down the foundation for what would become known as space art. The documentary emphasizes his work as an architectural renderer, matte painter, Hollywood movie effects creator, and space artist. An interesting balance is struck showcasing how Bonestell’s love for painting celestial bodies stemmed from his earlier work as an architect and film illustrator.

The film features renowned personalities such as renowned science fiction author Ray Bradbury and visual effects guru Douglas Trumbull who personally express admiration and acknowledgement for Bonestell's impact on their respective fields. Their insights, gleaned through professional and personal interactions with Bonestell prove to be illuminating, revealing the multifaceted genius that was Chesley Bonestell. They highlight the astonishing degree to which Bonestell's work inspired not only their own careers, but the entire field of science fiction and space exploration.

But it’s not just about the past, as this documentary brings the focus back to contemporary times by showcasing how Bonestell's legacy continues to endure in today’s space ventures and cinematic achievements. The documentary effectively bridges the gap between Bonestell’s era and our current age of space exploration and CGI-driven movies, reinforcing the timeless relevancy of his work.

Douglas Stewart does a commendable job in directing this character-driven piece – a loving tribute to an individual whose imagination and creativity transcended the boundaries of time and space. Several creative decisions give the movie its distinctive style. These include the deft use of special effects to animate Bonestell's still artwork, bringing these cosmic masterpieces to life in a way that helps modern audiences appreciate their pioneering brilliance.

Chesley Bonestell: A Brush With The Future is not just a study of one man’s art and vision, it raises intriguing questions about the ethical responsibilities associated with opening up new frontiers. By featuring these broader dimensions, the documentary makes space for addressing some of the philosophical questions that space exploration raises, providing the audience with intellectual as well as aesthetic stimulation.

To sum up, Chesley Bonestell: A Brush With The Future is more than a biography. It’s a visual masterpiece that gives due recognition to a man who created the backdrop for our dreams of the cosmos. Recommended for everyone interested in art, science fiction, cinema or space exploration, the film offers a moving exploration of how one man, with a paintbrush and a vision, helped create a future where we'd all look up, wonder, and dream of the stars.