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Behind the scenes

Powers of Ten

1977Movie9 min

Documentary
78
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.0

An awe-inspiring, philosophical documentary movie about everyday modern life and technology, with standout cinematography and direction.

Good for family movie night · friends night · kids

Skip it if you want something to laugh at

Where to watch

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Not streaming in any country yet.

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Not for laughs, brutality or scares.

Movies with

Story

A scientific film essay, narrated by Phil Morrison. A set of pictures of two picnickers in a park, with the area of each frame one-tenth the size of the one before. Starting from a view of the entire known universe, the camera gradually zooms in until we are viewing the subatomic particles on a man's hand.

Feels like

  • Scientific Visualization
  • Cosmic Perspective
  • Educational Short
  • Existential Wonder
  • Scale of the Universe
  • Classic Documentary
  • Philosophical Reflection
  • Visual Spectacle
  • Timeless Classic

Crew

Directed by
Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Music by
Elmer Bernstein

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

June 4, 1977 · 9 min · Documentary

Released
June 4, 1977
Runtime
9 min
Genres
Documentary
Original language
English
Made in
United States

Tropes

Astronomic Zoom, Shout-Out, Epic Tracking Shot +3

  • Astronomic Zoom
  • Shout-Out
  • Epic Tracking Shot
  • The World Is Just Awesome
  • Insignificant Little Blue Planet
  • Reveal Shot

From TV Tropes.

Q&A

3 questions, like "Is Powers of Ten worth watching?"

Questions about Powers of Ten

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Is Powers of Ten worth watching?

78
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78 (IMDb 8).

Is Powers of Ten okay for kids?

Yes: the viewing guide lists it for kids.

Is Powers of Ten plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly plot-driven: spectacle (8 of 10) and intrigue (6 of 10) carry it more than its characters do.