Evolving Non-Fiction Storytelling
Press & Reviews for
PERSISTENCE OF VISION
★★★★★
Grade: “A”...“[a] Herculean accomplishment... a heartbreaking account of a thwarted animated masterpiece.”
“If you are a documentary or animation nut, [Persistence of Vision is] more or less required viewing... a compulsive, profound look at a failed masterpiece.”
“[a] fascinating slice of film history”
– Alissa Simon, Variety
– Drew Taylor, The Playlist / indieWIRE
“Engrossing... Kevin Schreck’s superb documentary is a surprisingly suspenseful portrait of a kind yet obsessive artist driven to exhausting extremes.”
– Jeff Shannon, The Seattle Times
“With an amazing cache of archival footage – including Mr. [Richard] Williams’s original animation – Mr. Schreck’s documentary is gripping”
– Marsha Lederman, The Globe and Mail
WINNER: “Editor’s Choice” - #2 on the 10 Best Documentaries of 2012 list
“[Director] Schreck has crafted a moving tribute to [Richard] Williams's artistic ambition, and at the same time celebrates the melancholy beauty of impossible dreams...[a] heartbreaking documentary on a staggering genius.”
– Hubert Vigilla, Flixist
"One of the most compelling documentaries ever created. Kevin Schreck's film has garnered a whole slew of awards and when you see it you will realise why. An inspirational, moving and thought provoking film, you will be all the richer for having witnessed it."
– Peter Richardson, Illustrators Quarterly
“Persistence of Vision is a must-see documentary”
– Christopher Campbell, The Documentary Channel, Movies.com
“Outstanding...a mindblower. Persistence of Vision is one you shouldn't miss.”
– Adrian Mack, The Georgia Straight
“Don’t miss this”
– Erik McClanahan, Star Tribune
“Essential for followers of animation history... Schreck follows the ups and downs effectively, conveying a sense of what was lost and what would likely never have come together.”
– John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter
“I fell in love with this extraordinary little film... [Rich with] wonder, sadness, hilarity... [Persistence of Vision] is far out in front as the best [film at the New Zealand International Film Festival]”
– David Larsen, The New Zealand Listener
"Engrossing... a haunting story of what someone will do for his dreams, and what those dreams might do to him."
– J.R. Jones, Chicago Reader
“An incredible documentary on an incredible story”
– Julien Dupuy, Premiere
“★★★★★... A heartbreaking portrait [with] a stunning rawness that’s poignant... pieced together with delicate care and heart”
“[A] compulsively watchable documentary... the spectacle is hard to resist.”
– Robert Horton, Seattle Weekly
– Caitlin Cowie, Examiner.com
“An amazing film about an amazing artist...Wonderful... If it plays near you, rush out and see Persistence of Vision.”
– Bill Plympton, acclaimed animator
“[Persistence of Vision] feeds the mind and kicks the gut with this real life story of an artistic genius.”
– Liam Maguren, Flicks.co.nz
“Captivating”
– Ed Huyck, City Pages
“[a] fantastic new documentary”
– Amid Amidi, Cartoon Brew
“This is an essential look at the pitfalls of genius and the perils of an expansive, perfectionistic approach to art... an engrossing record of film history.”
“Suspenseful and moving... a compelling portrait of an immensely talented man”
– Maggie Glass, The Museum of the Moving Image, DOC NYC
“Kevin Schreck’s lovingly crafted documentary on Richard Williams... is a fascinating and heartbreaking glimpse into genius gone awry.”
– Adam Fresco, Flicks.co.nz
– Jesse Livingston, Buzzine
“[An] excellent documentary... Persistence of Vision is a tight, elegant, and thorough examination”
– Richard Gorey, ASIFA-East’s aNYmator
“Stupendous!... Kevin Schreck’s documentary is essential viewing on three counts: it showcases Williams’ dazzling, often unprecedented visuals; it reveals how these staggering effects were created; and it’s a heartbreaking portrait of artistic obsession running smack into the business of show...”
– Vancouver International Film Festival
“[Persistence of Vision] is a film you shouldn’t miss. Just to get a glimpse at the amazingly beautiful work [animator Richard] Williams did is enough to recommend this film.”
– William Brownridge, Toronto Film Scene
Grade: “A” = “Fantastic”... "Marvelous"
– Stefan Ellison, The Scene Magazine
“In Persistence of Vision, director Kevin Schreck delivers a remarkable portrait of the creative genius at work. Through archival footage and interviews with the cast and crew of this ‘lost’ legendary film, Schreck gives audiences a taste of the magic and magnificence of Williams’s masterpiece-in-the-making as he chronicles its ultimate demise.”
– Amy Woodbury Tease, Independent Film Festival Boston