A Review of ‘Attenborough: Behind the Lens’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Photo of David Attenborough Courtesy of BBC America.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary, ‘Attenborough: Behind the Lens’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that there are few people in this world as well-known as David Attenborough and it makes sense as to why. Simply because David has given life to the modern nature documentary and has made so many stories about our world, and narrated them and starred in them, he is synonymous with them. To the point where we are taken aback when we watch a nature documentary that doesn’t feature his commentary or his thoughts upon the world, and well… as David’s incredible career begins to slow down and he begins to prepare for a well-deserved retirement from a genre of filmmaking he more or less shaped for the world, BBC America thought it would be worthwhile to reflect upon how he put together so many incredible stories.

Courtesy of a documentary that took the time to really examine how David’s incredible documentaries came to life and that made, Attenborough: Behind the Lens, quite the engaging watch. In large part, because it opens up to inform us… that David Attenborough, while steadfast serious on facts when he presents them to us, is nothing like that when the cameras are off. Simply because he is something of a jokester, a man that loves to entertain and have fun in between takes. Which gives rise to a fascinating perspective on this man, one that informs us that he really is someone that just enjoys what he does and finds the bright side of the moment and savors the moment and life, and it is just refreshing to see the human and fun side of a man that has taken the time to explore the ups and downs of nature. 

But that of course, speaks volume to a man that who’s passion for life reflects his passion for nature, and that allowed for the story to perfectly examine how that translates over to his work, and how the chance to tell the right kinds of stories, ones that would resonate with a new generation of thinkers, kept him out of retirement for a time. Simply because David, who fully understands the past limitations that technology harbored in creating documentaries, jumped at the chance to make new stories that capitalized on what that new technology could do. Which in turn, brought forth some of his most revolutionary work. Since David and the creative team that accompanied him around the world brought forth unprecedented footage with that new and dynamic technology and they even figured out how to make learning fun for younger children, through the use of 3D Technologies and CGI. 

However, what truly made these stories so unique and perhaps cemented David’s standing as an icon in the process… is the fact that David was front and center in so many of these stories. Because he truly opted for a hands-on approach with these dynamic tales and in doing so… really connected with audiences like never before. Because those moments with him speaking, brought forth the passion he harbors for this world and its wildlife, and it also brough forth, powerful moments and observations. The kind that forces us to think deeply on our role in the world going forward and what we can do to preserve this island Earth that we call home. But more importantly, this segment of the story reminded us precisely why David is the one-true icon for nature documentaries, and why his work lives on and is being celebrated with him easing into retirement.

All because… he simply wanted to educate the world about the world and do so in a compelling and passionate manner that made the material relatable and accessible, and well… he did so well with that, he spent sixty-plus years doing so, to the point where he will remain synonymous this type of story for generations on end, and well… this was just a heartwarming documentary. One that really showcased the man behind some of the most important documentaries to ever be created, and hopefully this charming examination of David’s life and career, will serve as inspiration for someone in the next generation of documentarians. So, they can pick up David’s mantle and showcase more of the beauty and the majesty of the stunning world we call home.

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