Midge Costin’s inspiring and educational documentary “Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound” seems destined to wind up in the curriculum of film schools across the country. In a short but jam-packed 90 minutes, the film gives a broad but effective overview of the history of one of the industry’s most vital, yet misunderstood art forms, with a variety of participants from all ages and groups.
There’s a very good chance it will inspire a whole new generation to pursue a career in sound design, or at least to upgrade their home theater system.
“Making Waves” has a lot of ground to cover, and Costin — a sound editor on hit films like “Armageddon,” “Crimson Tide” and “Hocus Pocus,” now making her directorial debut — wisely doesn’t try to tackle it all at once.