From Lift to The Road: The Films of Marc Isaacs
16 movies · 2001–2017
"From Lift to The Road: The Films of Marc Isaacs" is a comprehensive collection showcasing the work of the acclaimed documentary filmmaker Marc Isaacs. This 2-Disc Blu-ray Limited Edition Box Set is accompanied by the newly published 80-page book ‘The Human Element,’ offering a deeper insight into Isaacs' filmmaking approach. Recognized for his empathetic and insightful style, Isaacs crafts intimate portraits that explore the complexities of modern British life, often focusing on the extraordinary within the everyday. The collection comprises 16 films created between 2001 and 2017, totaling 548 minutes of runtime. Isaacs' work is characterized by a compassionate approach to his subjects, presenting unique perspectives on diverse communities and experiences. Films within the collection delve into a range of topics, from personal relationships to social issues, often capturing moments of quiet reflection and human connection. Examples of films included in the collection showcase Isaacs’ signature style; for instance, "Lift" (2001) offers a glimpse into a specific community, while "The Road A Story of Life and Death" (2012) presents a more expansive exploration of human experience. The collection provides a rich overview of Marc Isaacs' distinctive vision and his ability to find compelling stories in unexpected places. This limited edition box set offers a valuable opportunity to explore the breadth of Isaacs’ documentary filmmaking career, presenting a significant body of work for those interested in insightful and moving portrayals of contemporary Britain.
Franchise cast
All movies in chronological order
LiftDirector Marc Isaacs enters the elevator of an ordinary English apartment building. As he rides with the residents, they begin to share their stories, and we get a glimpse into their everyday lives.0.1Stream on
TravellersThis film offers a deeply emotional exploration of the solitude and sadness frequently experienced while on train journeys. It's a moving and impactful story centered on themes of lost love, newfound connection, and regret.0.1
Calais: The Last BorderThe film presents a bleak look at a town struggling with decline. It sharply contrasts British tourists seeking inexpensive alcohol with homeless asylum seekers living on the streets. Interwoven are the stories of two British expatriates attempting to succeed despite difficult circumstances.0.1Stream on
Philip and His Seven Wives"Philip and His Seven Wives" (2006), a film for the BBC's Storyville, explores the fascinating life of a former rabbi who believes he receives direct messages from God. Isaacs' intimate documentary portrays this unusual family, where faith and obedience to their leader are central to their lives.0.1Stream on
Men of the CityIsaacs’ *Men of the City* offers a stylized look at the lives of workers in the City of London during the recent financial crisis. The film balances sensitive portrayals of diverse people trying to maintain their dignity and humanity amidst the turmoil. Focusing on strong characters, Isaacs continues to develop his distinctive vision of modern Britain.0.1Stream on
Outside the CourtThey arrive, they smoke, they wait – armed robbers, lifelong thieves, addicts, and anxious fathers of troubled children. Beneath tough appearances, they hide vulnerable hearts; old lives reside within young bodies – ordinary people awaiting judgment on a bleak stretch of pavement outside a London magistrates' court. While waiting for their cases, they reveal their stories, exposing the complexities of the human spirit. Intimate conversations with the filmmaker illuminate the narratives the magistrates hear every day. Director Marc Isaacs spent three months outside Highbury Magistrates Court, demonstrating how the camera can reveal character and motivation far deeper than the legal system. The more we learn about these characters, the harder it becomes to judge them easily. While the court must deliver judgment, the filmmaker simply observes.0.1Stream on
The Old Man and His BedIn the course of one night, the film immerses the audience in the existence of an old man confined to his bed.0.1Stream on
The Road A Story of Life and DeathFilmmaker Marc Isaacs connects several moving stories of loss and the desire for connection along the ancient Roman road in London, creating a portrait of life's shared experiences. Keelta, a young Irish woman, seeks a fresh start on the road, while Billy, an aging Irish laborer, grapples with finding purpose. Peggy, a 95-year-old Jewish refugee from Vienna, and Brigitte, a German-born former flight attendant, both carry the weight of difficult marriages. Meanwhile, Iqbal, a quiet Indian hotel concierge, anticipates his wife's arrival from Kashmir. The film reveals the relatable struggles and concerns of its characters, mirroring our own.0.1Stream on
OutsidersIn the Lincolnshire town of Boston, host Ben Ferguson and director Marc Isaacs investigate a community grappling with anxieties surrounding change and immigration.0.1Stream on
Touched by MurderA young Polish woman's body is discovered in a suitcase near a London apartment building, along a canal. The film explores the impact of this murder on the residents of the building, prompting reflection on their connection to the unseen people sharing their community.0.1Stream on
Men Who Sleep in TrucksAcclaimed director Marc Isaacs delves into the hidden lives of Britain's truckers, revealing a world marked by solitude and the endless highway. The film portrays many drivers sleeping in their trucks at rest stops and service plazas, offering a deeply personal and moving look at contemporary masculinity on the country's motorways.0.1Stream on
Moments of SilenceMoments of Silence is a film built from introspective scenes drawn from Marc Isaacs's extensive non-fiction writing. It portrays people overwhelmed by difficult thoughts who pause, fall silent, and appear lost in reflection. They seem to be revisiting the past, grappling with present challenges, or fretting about what lies ahead.0.1SistersIn a quiet pub, two older siblings sit side-by-side, patiently awaiting direction from the filmmaker – a direction that never arrives. They simply observe the passage of time.0.1Stream onNotes on BangladeshIn a Bangladeshi village, the community watches with hope for the end of the monsoon rains. Instead, the rain persists, leading to devastating floods that drown their crops and homes.0.1Stream onRainy DaysThis film weaves together footage from Isaacs' documentaries, presented as an experimental montage accompanied by a musical score.0.1Stream on
