The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille

The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille, released in 2014, is an engaging documentary that uncovers the forgotten history of a colossal movie set built by iconic 20th-century filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille. The film features prominent figures including Charlton Heston, Cecil B. DeMille, his ballet dancer and choreographer daughter Agnes de Mille and Jesse Lasky Jr., a Hollywood screenwriter and novelist. The movie is a mix of eclectic facts about obscure Hollywood history intertwined with a fascinating archaeological journey.

This gripping narrative unfolds around one of the best-kept secrets of Hollywood's golden age: the remains of the massive, extravagant, and most expensive set of 1923's The Ten Commandments, subsumed by the sands near the California coastline. DeMille ordered the set's dismantlement and burial to prevent its usage in other films, turning it into a buried city forever lost in time, hence the title of the documentary.

The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille starts with director Peter Brosnan setting off on an ambitious quest to uncover this mythical city from its sandy grave. The film traces the origins of Brosnan's fascination with this forgotten piece of movie history, which started as hearsay about a "lost city" in the dunes of Santa Barbara in the mid-1980s. The journey spans three decades, illustrating his relentless passion and dedication to bring this unique part of Hollywood history to light. Director Brosnan weaves a tale about the arduous quest to preserve and unearth this cinematic Treasure Island.

The film offers a look at the influential director's life and work, as well as the monumental scale of his projects. It includes flashbacks and archival footage which bring to life Cecil B. DeMille's illustrious career, his incredible vision, and the magnitude of his productions. Charlton Heston's pivotal role in the film is as its powerful narrator, his voice lending a stunningly dramatic tone to the recounting of this long-forgotten tale.

Even more interestingly, interspersed with this main story of exploration is Hollywood history facts and trivia. The narrative switches between periods, brilliantly comparing the grandeur of old Hollywood filmmaking techniques and the more digital methods of the present day. The documentary further elaborates on the silent era of Hollywood, providing socio-cultural insights into the process and scale of filmmaking during that era. Much of this remarkable cinematic heritage is brought forward by DeMille's daughter, Agnes de Mille, and Jesse Lasky Jr., providing a captivating personal touch to the documentary.

What makes the documentary even more engaging is the array of challenges Brosnan and his team face throughout the journey. Beyond mere archaeological difficulties of the excavation process, legal hurdles and fundraising challenges add depth and drama to the storyline. These make for an enlightening look into the bureaucratic and financial aspects tied to such a large-scale exploration and excavation project.

The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille serves not only as a captivating chronicle of cinematic archaeology but also as a tribute to the silent movie era's grandeur, Cecil B. DeMille’s vision, and Hollywood itself. It takes the viewers on an extraordinary journey that meshes the worlds of film history and archaeology beautifully. The compilation of historical photos, expert interviews, archived footages and reconstructions breathe life into this bizarre episode of forgotten Hollywood history.

Through this journey, the film leaves audiences marveling at the glamour of early cinematic spectacle, the dedication of the people in unearthing this forgotten piece of history, and the complexities involved in Hollywood film production in the early 20th century. It's a fascinating exploration into a bygone era - vivid, insightful, and poignant.

In conclusion, The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille is a remarkable documentary testament to the untold Hollywood history and the tenacity of film enthusiasts dedicated to preserving it. For those who love Hollywood lore, silent film history, or archaeology, this film is a must-watch. It seamlessly navigates the lines between an archaeological thriller, a history lesson, and a tribute to one of Hollywood's greatest directors and his ambitious filmmaking. The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille promises a profound and engrossing cinematic experience unlike any other.