Rebuilding Paradise
| Rebuilding Paradise | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ron Howard |
| Produced by |
|
| Cinematography | Lincoln Else |
| Edited by | M. Watanabe Milmore |
| Music by | |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | National Geographic Documentary Films Abramorama |
Release dates |
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Running time | 95 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Rebuilding Paradise is a 2020 American documentary film directed and produced by Ron Howard. The film follows the rebuild of Paradise, California, following the 2018 California wildfires, specifically the Camp Fire, known as the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, and the most expensive natural disaster in the world in 2018 in terms of insured losses. The film was first announced in January 2019. Lincoln Else was the cinematographer, and Lorne Balfe and Hans Zimmer composed the score.
Acquired by
Summary
Rebuilding Paradise begins by chronicling the
"There [was] a gentleman who [...] said [to me], 'My family is trying to get out of [Paradise] going down Circle Drive.' And I was like, 'They need to not go that way.' But there was no cell service. In the [next] morning, I went down there, and turn up did find that the [car] had burned, and [...] didn't find anything. But a little bit later, I saw a lady [talking] about going down Circle Drive and her vehicle [burned], and her son being there and getting him out of there. She had burns in her arms, [starts tearing up] and I know it was her, so... [silence] I [...] gave her a hug because I've been looking for her body. [silence] Sorry. [leaves the scene, camera stays still]
—Police officer Matt Gates
The residents of Paradise then describe their close connection to the town. Former mayor Woody Culleton recalls being an alcoholic living in the
A month after the fire, the process of rebuilding was announced by the head of the Paradise Police. People later began living in the territory in trailers, they also reunite at a small party held by Paradise police officer Matt Gates. Three months later, however, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that, due to the discovery of various lethal chemicals like benzene, debris must be removed before any property can be placed; this is met with reluctance-filled resident-government clashes. This slowly found a solution, and Culleton becomes the first person permitted to rebuild his house. While more houses were starting to be built, FEMA also made temporary houses. The Paradise High School also reopens by celebrating delayed graduates. On June 11, 2019, community leader Philip Allan John died from cardiac arrest; his wife, Michelle John, says that this and the Camp Fire stresses the need to prioritize health first. A resident says that the younger generations may not see a better future retaining in Paradise, as it was before the fire. However the film later shines more hope on a better future of the community, through the perseverance of its residents.
Meanwhile, the film reflects: while strong winds and history of logging factored the fire, the
Production
In January 2019, it was announced Ron Howard would direct the film and serve as a producer under his Imagine Entertainment banner, with National Geographic Documentary Films distributing.[2]
Release
Rebuilding Paradise had its world premiere on January 24, 2020, at the
The film later premiered theatrically in the United States on July 31, 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions closing various theaters, Howard allowed any medium of distribution possible. Eventually, over 70 virtual cinemas, "carefully selected" traditional theaters, and drive-in theaters played it. National Geographic and Imagine Entertainment then took to distributor Abramorama, who distributed Howard's previous work, The Beatles: Eight Days A Week (2016). Rebuilding Paradise later saw a virtual cinema premiere on July 12, which amassed over 6,000 viewers, including first responders; the film's team said they were heartened by the news.[7]
Critical reception
Rebuilding Paradise holds a 93% approval rating on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 68 reviews, with an average of 7.5/10. The consensus reads, "From the horror of natural disaster to the spirit summoned behind the titular effort, Rebuilding Paradise stirringly depicts one community's perseverance."[8]
References
- ^ "Rebuilding Paradise". Sundance Film Festival. Archived from the original on June 15, 2020.
- ^ Kiladay, Gregg (January 24, 2019). "Nat Geo Documentary Films Nabs Ron Howard Look at California Wildfires (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 15, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
- ^ Siegel, Tatiana (December 4, 2019). "Sundance Unveils Female-Powered Lineup Featuring Taylor Swift, Gloria Steinem, Abortion Road Trip Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. MRC. Archived from the original on December 8, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
- ^ Goldsmith, Jill (March 3, 2020). "Tribeca Sets Feature Lineup Of Films For 2020 Fest". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
- ^ Beresford, Tribly; Lewis, Hilary (March 12, 2020). "Tribeca Film Festival Postponed Amid Coronavirus Fears". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 12, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 25, 2020). "Ron Howard's National Geographic Documentary 'Rebuilding Paradise' Gets Limited Theatrical Release July 31: Watch Trailer". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
- ^ "How Ron Howard's 'Rebuilding Paradise' reimagines releasing a movie during a pandemic". Los Angeles Times. 2020-07-31. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
- ^ "Rebuilding Paradise (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
