The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 25

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.6/10(127 votes)

   #1 - Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides

   S25:E11/12/2011

   A retrospective on the laid-back actor who has entertained audiences for close to 40 years.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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2. 

   8.1/10(137 votes)

   #2 - Troubadors: Carole King/James Taylor & the Rise of the Singer-Songwriter

   S25:E23/2/2011

   Focusing on musicians ranging from James Taylor and Carol King to Elton John.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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3. 

   6.0/10(89 votes)

   #3 - John Muir in the New World

   S25:E34/18/2011

   This documentary explores the life and legacy of America’s first environmentalist and Sierra Club’s founder. Mountaineers portray Muir in reenactments filmed in Yosemite, the Sierra Nevada, Alaska, Wisconsin, and Alhambra Valley.

   Director:Catherine Tatge

   Writer:Unknown

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   Director:Catherine Tatge

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4. 

   6.8/10(54 votes)

   #4 - James Levine: America's Maestro

   S25:E46/1/2011

   A behind-the-scenes lok at the internationally-renowned conductor of New York's Metropolitan Opera.

   Director:Unknown

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5. 

   7.9/10(18 votes)

   #5 - Pearl Jam Twenty

   S25:E510/21/2011

   Told in big themes and bold colors with blistering sound, Pearl Jam Twenty chronicles the years leading up to the band’s formation, the chaos that ensued soon-after being catapulted into superstardom, their step back from the spotlight with the instinct of self-preservation, and the creation of a trusted circle that would surround them — giving way to a work culture that would sustain them. Part concert film, part insider hang, part testimonial to the power of music and uncompromising artists, the film celebrates the freedom that allows Pearl Jam to make music without losing themselves, their fans, or the music lovers they’ve always been. Pearl Jam Twenty features new interviews with original band members Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder, drummer Matt Cameron, and friend and Soundgarden singer/guitarist Chris Cornell, as well as archival performance and interview footage of Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Kurt Cobain, and Neil Young.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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6. 

   0.0/10(0 votes)

   #6 - Bill T. Jones: A Good Man

   S25:E611/11/2011

   Bill T. Jones, the recipient of a prestigious MacArthur "genius" grant and winner of two Tony Awards, has been named "an irreplaceable treasure" by the The Dance Heritage Coalition. Above all, he is a socially conscious choreographer who never shies away from controversy -- tackling thorny subjects such as race and politics with elegance and intelligence, artistry and originality.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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7. 

   7.7/10(5322 votes)

   #7 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (1)

   S25:E711/20/2011

   A film that traces the life and accomplishments of America's unique and recognized comedian/writer/filmmaker.

   Director:Unknown

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   Director:Unknown

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8. 

   8.2/10(7 votes)

   #8 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (2)

   S25:E811/21/2011

   Iconic writer, director, actor, comedian, and musician Woody Allen allowed his life and creative process to be documented on-camera for the first time. With this unprecedented access, Emmy®-winning, Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Robert Weide followed the notoriously private film legend over a year and a half to create the ultimate film biography.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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9. 

   6.6/10(95 votes)

   #9 - Charles & Ray Eames: The Architect and the Painter

   S25:E912/29/2011

   From 1941 to 1978, this husband-and-wife team brought unique talents to their partnership. He was an architect by training, she was a painter and sculptor. Together they are considered America’s most important and influential designers, whose work helped, literally, shape the second half of the 20th century and remains culturally vital and commercially popular today. They are, perhaps, best remembered for their mid-century modern furniture, built from novel materials like molded plywood, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, bent metal wire and aluminum – offering consumers beautiful, functional, yet inexpensive products. Revered for their designs and fascinating as individuals, Charles and Ray have risen to iconic status in American culture. But their influence on significant events and movements in American life – from the development of modernism, to the rise of the computer age – has been less widely understood. Charles and Ray Eames are now profiled as part of American Masters. A film by Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey. Narrated by James Franco.

   Director:Unknown

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