Review of Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004) by Matt M — 17 Sep 2013

The story of Z Channel, one of the first cable TV stations in the US that went on to inspire a whole generation of filmmakers and cinephiles. But it's also the story of the rise and fall of its mastermind and chief programmer Jerry Harvey, a deeply troubled man.

Xan Cassavetes' documentary is a good tribute and an inspiring story about the power of cable television but also about cinephilia in general. Its dark undertones are tastefully never used to an excess and through the use of plenty of behind the scenes anecdotes as well as people who were directly influenced by Z Channel, this is quite an entertaining and insightful work.