DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
Rebuilding Paradise: Ron Howard Talks about His Scary, Beautiful New Documentary
November 8, 2020  | By David Bianculli  | 636 comments
 


Rebuilding Paradise, 
directed by Ron Howard and premiering tonight at 9 ET on National Geographic Channel, is a wonderful documentary and an inspirational true-life story – but doesn’t begin like one. It begins like a wildly intense horror film. 

Paradise, CA, is the name of a small community that, on that day in 2018 at the start of Rebuilding Paradise, looks like one. A beautiful morning, sunny blue skies, and the sound of a radio reporter warning of high winds that could swiftly spread any wildfires that might break out.

Howard employs no narration on Rebuilding Paradise, even though, as he proved on Arrested Development, he’s a very gifted narrator. Instead, his documentary unspools naturally – and, like a wildfire, builds in intensity quickly and without warning.

By collecting and utilizing videos shot by Paradise residents as they attempted to flee the fire that suddenly encircled them, Howard starts Rebuilding Paradise as a sort of Blair Witch Project horror movie of “found footage.” Only this footage is real. When a woman trying to drive to safety is told that her community is “100 percent surrounded by fire,” her reaction is a simple but plaintive question: “Are we gonna die?”

Another piece of cellphone video puts us in the car of a family trying to escape the sudden inferno. The husband is driving, and the wife is photographing, while the car drives over and through flames. Finally, they see clearer skies, and realize they’ve made it to safer ground. Like Lot’s wife, she turns to look behind her – and her cameraphone captures the Paradise city sign as they’re escaping the city limits.

The sign is on fire.

After all that – as scary a sequence as in any horror or disaster film, and with no CGI effects whatsoever – we get the aftermath. And another sort of horror sign, as President Donald Trump, who has just surveyed the damage, tells TV news crews, “We just left Pleasure” – whereupon Gov. Jerry Brown, without looking up, corrects him instantly with a muttered “Paradise.” That scene plays differently today than it did even last week. Instead of just anger at the ineptitude, there’s relief at knowing that different leaders are soon to come.

In the community of Paradise, the leaders and leadership made all the difference. Citizens had to decide if they wanted to rebuild, after what was assessed as the worst fire in California history. And if so, then how?  Howard’s crew follows this process all the way, which gives Rebuilding Paradise, after such a frightening beginning, a truly inspirational ending.

When I interviewed Ron Howard briefly last week for TVWW, he stressed that it was the rebirth from the ashes aspect of the story that always drew him to Paradise – not the devastation, but the story of what it took for a community to learn how to revive itself, and where to go to get the help it needed, and which types of help truly were helpful. And as he and his crew kept filming, the narrative got more and more positive.

“The title was always Rebuilding Paradise in my mind as a working title,” Howard told me. “But it had a question mark on it at the beginning.” Once he saw how Paradise came back together, the punctuation was dropped.

As for the scene I described, of the woman filming her family’s escape from the fiery hell that night in Paradise, Howard was equally impressed and enthusiastic.

“It’s an amazing shot,” he agreed. “What a gift, when we found that, discovered that.

“Gladys Murphy, one of our editors, was in charge of putting together all of our found footage, our fire footage,” he continued. “So a lot of it, I didn’t see for months, because so much of it flooded in. I knew we were getting good stuff, and it was powerful, and it was personal, and it was really going to help us tell our story.

“But it wasn’t until she put it in this order that you recognized that this could be sort of a sequence like Saving Private Ryan, where you drop the audience right into the D-Day landing.”

Howard admitted, “This wasn’t the way we were going to initially begin the film. “But once we saw that footage together, we realized this was the way to alert audiences to what the film was about, and what people had lived through.”

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
JGCOP
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 32  | Go to page: 
636 Comments
 
 
When it comes to home comfort, few systems are as essential as your HVAC system. Whether it's a scorching summer afternoon or a chilly winter morning, your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is working behind the scenes to keep your indoor climate just right.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Moving—even if it’s just across town—can be overwhelming. Between packing, loading, and figuring out logistics, it's easy to underestimate how much work is involved. That’s where local moving services come in. Whether you're upgrading to a bigger home, relocating for work, or just craving a change of scenery, hiring a trusted local moving company can save you time, stress, and even money.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
For those just discovering her, Belle Ting is more than just a content creator. She’s a model, lifestyle influencer, and entrepreneur who has carved a unique path in the digital space. Based in Canada and of Asian descent, Belle brings a refreshing multicultural perspective to her work—merging East and West with elegance and relatability.
Jul 20, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a full bathroom renovation, finding a reliable plumber is essential for every home or business. If you live in Haarlem or the surrounding areas
Jul 19, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
In een tijd waarin duurzaamheid en energie-efficiëntie centraal staan, wint de thuisbatterij aan populariteit. Deze slimme technologie stelt huiseigenaren in staat om hun eigen zonne-energie op te slaan en te gebruiken wanneer ze het nodig hebben — zelfs wanneer de zon niet schijnt. Maar wat is een thuisbatterij precies, en waarom zou je er één in huis moeten halen?
Jul 19, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Simply put, it means improving your website’s position in Google’s search results. The higher you rank, the more likely users are to visit your website. In fact, studies show that the first result on Google gets over 25% of all clicks, while page two and beyond are often ignored.
Jul 19, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
In de koude maanden is er niets zo fijn als thuiskomen in een warm huis. Maar wie zorgt ervoor dat jouw verwarming goed werkt? Juist, de verwarmingsmonteur! In deze blog leggen we uit wat een verwarmingsmonteur precies doet, wanneer je er een nodig hebt en waarom dit vak onmisbaar is in Nederland.
Jul 17, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
When it comes to property maintenance, we often focus on interiors — fresh paint, tidy rooms, and clean floors. But what about the exterior? The outside of your home or business is the first thing people see, and it’s what shapes their first impression.
Jul 16, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
The therapy involves the practitioner placing their hands lightly on the body, tuning into the craniosacral rhythm—a subtle pulse that mirrors the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. Areas of restriction or tension are gently encouraged to release, often leading to a deep sense of relaxation and calm.
Jul 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Granite Bronze isn’t a literal fusion of granite and bronze but often refers to the combination of granite bases or monuments adorned with bronze plaques or sculptures. The pairing combines the rugged, natural elegance of granite with the artistic, historical richness of bronze—making it a staple in cemeteries, public monuments, civic buildings, and historical sites.
Jul 9, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
The kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals—it's the heart of the home. It’s where families gather, conversations happen, and memories are made. That’s why a well-designed kitchen not only enhances functionality but also adds value and warmth to your home. If you’re considering a kitchen remodeling project, this blog will guide you through the key steps, benefits, and trends to help bring your dream kitchen to life.
Jul 3, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting — and at times overwhelming — journeys in life. From the moment you say “yes” to the moment you say “I do,” every detail contributes to a day you’ll remember forever. Whether you're planning a small, intimate gathering or a grand celebration, having a well-thought-out plan is the key to enjoying the process without the stress.
Jun 30, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
A beautiful deck is one of the best features of any backyard. It’s where we gather with friends, enjoy summer barbecues, and relax in the sun. But over time, exposure to the elements can cause wood to fade, splinter, and wear down.
Jun 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
In today's fast-paced healthcare environment, mental health professionals face numerous challenges—one of the most pressing being billing and reimbursement. Mental Health Billing Services have become essential for practices looking to streamline operations, reduce errors, and ensure timely payments. Whether you're a solo practitioner, group practice, or a large clinic, understanding the importance and functionality of these services can transform your business.
Jun 25, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
As cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to disrupt the traditional financial system, one tool remains essential for anyone entering the crypto space: the crypto wallet. Much more than just a digital piggy bank, a crypto wallet is your gateway to interacting with decentralized finance, NFTs, and blockchain networks securely.
Jun 21, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Online doctor consultation refers to a virtual meeting between a patient and a healthcare provider via video call, chat, or phone. It eliminates the need for physical visits to clinics or hospitals, making healthcare more accessible—especially for those living in remote areas or dealing with mobility challenges.
Jun 20, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
When you think of curb appeal, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the lawn. That lush, green patch of earth is more than just grass—it’s the welcome mat to your home. But let’s be honest: keeping it looking great year-round isn’t as easy as it seems. That’s where professional lawn service comes in.
Jun 18, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Your eyes are your windows to the world—and taking care of them is one of the most important steps you can take for your overall health. Whether you're dealing with blurry vision, eye strain, or simply due for your annual check-up, visiting a professional eye clinic is the first step toward clear, comfortable sight.
Jun 18, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
??????????????
[url=https://uzi999.email/register]??????????????[/url]
Magnificent web site. Plenty of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your effort!
Jun 16, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Traveling with kids? Our Japan Private Tour options are designed with families in mind. Think interactive museums, anime and manga attractions, kid-friendly food spots, and activities that keep every generation engaged and entertained.
Jun 16, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 32  | Go to page: