California Typewriter (2017)
A documentary love letter to the typewriter, exploring creativity, craftsmanship, and the enduring human need to make something real.
California Typewriter - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Doug Nichol
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 6, 2017 (Germany), July 25, 2019 (South Korea)
- Production Companies: American Buffalo Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
California Typewriter - Plot
A story about people whose lives are connected by typewriters. A meditation on creativity and technology featuring Tom Hanks, John Mayer, Sam Shepard, David McCullough and others.
California Typewriter - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and hear the clatter of keys that inspired a movement:
The revolution will be typewritten
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California Typewriter - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Doug Nichol
Main Cast
- Tom Hanks
- Sam Shepard
- David McCullough
- John Mayer
- Silvi Alcivar
- Ken Alexander
- Martin Howard
- Jeremy Mayer
- Herbert Permillion
- Richard Polt
Producers
- John Benet
- Doug Nichol
California Typewriter - FAQs
Who are the main people featured in California Typewriter?
The documentary features a fascinating mix of personalities, including actor and typewriter collector Tom Hanks, musician John Mayer, playwright Sam Shepard, historian David McCullough, typewriter sculptor Jeremy Mayer, and Berkeley repair shop owner Ken Alexander, among other enthusiasts and collectors.
What is California Typewriter about?
California Typewriter is a heartfelt documentary about people whose lives revolve around typewriters. It weaves together stories of collectors, artists, and repair technicians to explore broader themes of creativity, craftsmanship, and our complicated relationship with technology in the digital age.
Where can you stream California Typewriter?
You can stream California Typewriter on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available free on Kanopy and Hoopla, with ad-supported viewing on The Roku Channel and Pluto TV. Rental and purchase options are available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Why does Tom Hanks love typewriters so much?
Tom Hanks is one of the world's most devoted typewriter collectors, owning hundreds of machines. In the film, he reflects on the tactile pleasure and creative focus typewriters provide — the satisfying clack of keys, the permanence of ink on paper, and the way the machine demands full commitment to each word typed.
When was California Typewriter released?
California Typewriter had its US theatrical release on August 18, 2017. It later opened in Germany on October 6, 2017, and reached South Korean audiences on July 25, 2019, gradually finding its audience of documentary lovers and typewriter enthusiasts around the world.
What is the typewriter repair shop in the documentary?
The film centers on California Typewriter, a beloved Berkeley repair shop run by Ken Alexander and Herb Permillion. The shop serves as the documentary's emotional anchor — a place where old machines are lovingly restored and where the community of typewriter devotees naturally gathers and connects.
What genre is California Typewriter?
California Typewriter is a documentary film. It blends character portraits, cultural commentary, and meditative reflection to examine how typewriters inspire creativity and what it means to cherish analog tools in an increasingly digital world. It's the kind of documentary that appeals well beyond typewriter fans.
What are similar documentaries to California Typewriter?
If you enjoyed California Typewriter, you might love The Social Dilemma, which also examines our relationship with technology, or Koyaanisqatsi for a more philosophical take on modern life. For celebrity-driven docs, For the Love of Spock and I Am Heath Ledger offer similarly intimate portraits of passionate individuals.
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