Kodachrome, A Film Review on Twilight Letters
Oct 8, 2025
2 min read
3
5
Art: “It’s just a matter of time. . . . We’re all so . . . frightened by time and the way it moves on. That’s why we’re photographers. We’re preservationists by nature. We take pictures to stop time, to commit moments to eternity. Human nature made tangible.” —Jonathan Tropper
The film, titled Kodachrome, is a Netflix original that premiered in some theaters in April of 2018. I watched it for the first time last weekend and knew I had to blog about it, mainly because it’s about art but also because it’s an incredible film.
Character development is one of the most important structures in compelling stories. Here we have a universal story with three main characters, each of whom has life learning experiences. Ben, played by Ed Harris, is a crass, professional photographer. His son, Matt, played by Jason Sudeikis (one of my favorite actors), is an aging music label executive who used to play drums. He has abandonment issues, mainly that his father always put his work first, hence his family as a lesser priority. But also, he was an evolving child whose mother died when he was thirteen years old. Zooey, played by Elizabeth Olsen, is Ben’s nurse, suffering from guilt due to her past relationship. The flow of the story moves with the three perspectives, the beautiful, multi-generational soundtrack, which sets the mood perfectly, and the road trip. Yes, it’s a road trip story! I love these!
Because Ben doesn’t trust mail services, he, and many other photographers from around the world, wants to develop his last camera rolls before the last Kodachrome processing lab closes (a true part of the story) and before he passes away. Yes, he’s dying. So, be prepared for this type of drama as well. To get his son to agree to this road trip, he sends his nurse to convince him. And, with the help of another character, Larry, played by Dennis Haysbert, an important, career-saving sit-down with a band is promised.
This movie helps us remember what life is really about and teaches us that emotional maturity is worth the effort.
A relatable, heartfelt, love story between father and son, man and woman, life and art, I give it five stars.
The soundtrack can be found HERE.
Also, check out this SONG.
Love,
Tracy
Thank you for reading Kodachrome, A Film Review. I appreciate everyone who reads my blogs and hope they inspire and entertain.
