Videos: Documentaries

Fifty years after her death, Marilyn Monroe remains as fascinating, elusive and sexy as ever. Drawing on a trove of recently discovered papers, diaries and letters of the late actress and sex symbol, this film presents an absorbing and intimate look into her life through readings by more than a dozen acclaimed Hollywood actors.

It's Mel Brooks as he's never been seen before as he opens up for an intimate evening of show-and-tell comedy with the BBC's Alan Yentob. From his childhood 'potty humor' influences to his ascension to Hollywood's comedy A-list, this 60-minute conversation underscores the brilliance and continued playfulness of Brooks' fertile comic mind.

The nearly two-decade hunt for Osama bin Laden is the focus of this fascinating documentary. Filled with riveting testimony from actual C.I.A. agents, this account reveals the true story of the pursuit of the world's most notorious terrorist, beginning with the intelligence gathering of a group of mostly female analysts and culminating in the raid in which he was killed.

Eating disorders affect five million people in the U.S. This film documents some of the faces behind these numbers at Renfrew, a facility dedicated to helping women and girls overcome eating disorders. The result is a deeply affecting look at the struggles with eating and weight--and the deeper issues that lie at the core of women who are, literally, dying to be thin.

Russian justice in the modern Putin era is seen through the eyes of a young feminist punk band who were arrested after a protest on the altar of Moscow's largest cathedral. Winner of the 2013 Sundance Special Jury Prize, this film reveals the story of three members of Pussy Riot who were charged with religious hatred, culminating in a trial that drew international attention.

From running the country to skydiving, this endearing and enlightening portrait explores the life and careers of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. Filmed at his beloved summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, this documentary offers a rare glimpse at the avid fisherman and reflects on the highs and lows of his life, family, political career, and more.

In the middle of New York City lies a most unexpected natural wonder, a bird enthusiast's dream come true: Central Park. Making a migratory pit stop to rest their wings, more than a million birds a year grace New York City's celebrated patch of green. This film focuses on a handful of avid 'birders' who find everything from hummingbirds to herons within this city landmark.

For too many Pakistani women who have become the victims of acid attacks, their horrific physical scars are rivaled only by the emotional ones that never leave them. The 2011 Oscar(R)-winner for Best Documentary-Short Subject, this film tells the stories of two survivors of these vicious attacks as well as of a plastic surgeon dedicated to helping these and other victims.

For over 60 years, Studs Terkel elevated the voices and experiences of everyday Americans through his skillful interviews on radio, in books and on TV. This documentary takes a fond and illuminating look back at one of America's most influential authors and media personalities whose curiosity about people never dimmed over the course of a long and brilliant career.

On an unassuming street corner, 12th and Delaware, a community stands at a cross-roads. On one side of the street sits an abortion clinic. On the other, a pro-life outfit often mistaken for the clinic it seeks to shut down. Using cinema-verite observation, Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing expose the opposing sides of one of America's most intractable conflicts.

Dr. Nora Volkow--the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse--addresses a wide range of issues including addiction as a brain disease, the stigma of addiction, the adolescent addict, and more.

See what celebrated Latino actors, newsmakers and a musical legend have to say about being Latino in the U.S. in this sixth installment in the award-winning series.

Journalist Helen Thomas has covered nine presidents and her venerable career has earned her the moniker 'The First Lady of the Press.' Directed by award-winning filmmaker Rory Kennedy, This documentary profiles the iconic journalist who has held a front-row seat at White House press conferences for more than 60 years.

Roman Polanski survived the murders of his wife and unborn son to continue his career. In 1977, however, his reputation was derailed by a sordid scandal involving a 13-year-old girl--and a bizarre case presided over by a judge whose actions led Polanski to flee America. This documentary explores this controversial legal case--challenging the myths that have built up around it.

Tummy tuck. Nose job. Lipo. Millions of people routinely undergo these cosmetic surgeries each year, hoping the results will help them look and feel better. But when something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. This HBO Documentary Films presentation exposes the dark side of plastic surgery with a look at three cases of procedures that went horrifically wrong.