Backdrop preview The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall backdrop
The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall

The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall (1990)

Jan 01, 1990 49m Documentary

Born in London in 1934, Jane Goodall spent decades in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, studying the social and family structures of chimpanzees and helping to bring their ecological vulnerability into the public consciousness. She also founded and remains integral to the Jane Goodall Institute, which encourages environmental activism and stewardship among young people. In this program, the famous scientist reflects on her many years spent observing and learning about our primate cousins.

Directed by Judith Dwan Hallet

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Judith Dwan Hallet
Writer
  • Lynn McDevitt
  • Patrick Prentice
Producer
  • Judith Dwan Hallet

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Judith Dwan Hallet brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 49 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 94 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1990, when this film was released:
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Arabia: Sand, Sea & Sky, which focuses more on action than character development, The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like My Tiger Family and Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed explore similar territory, The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1990
  • Runtime: 49m