We were shown a series of short films for analysis using the question structure above. However, I’ve used them more as a guide because otherwise I end up repeating myself, giving more of a short review of each film.
1. Identify the themes of the film, what is the Director’s prime aim?
2. Consider what is the film’s main focus
3. Do you like or dislike the film and why
4. Was the film successful in dealing with its subject matter and why?
5. Was there a particular element of the film that stood out for you and why?
6. How does the film’s form (structure and style) relate to its content (theme and subject matter)
7. Discuss two techniques used in the film which you found interesting, why do you think this is appropriate
Actuality: Creating a visual sequence of differing shots in order to tell a sequence of a story e.g. showing differing shots of a car plant/factory
Notes; voice over – static shots – void space – matches shot sequence – voiceover adds to the effect of the film – a detachment – This is their life but they have to keep it locked up in a box
The main themes of the film involves void industrial spaces, her aim is to evoke this sense of nostalgia and the value of sentiment, conversely, if viewed with a negative eye it could be perceived that the film maker is ridiculing the people she is trying to represent, by clinging onto the past with an inability to let go of their worthless rubbish. However, I personally feel that the focus is on the brilliance of humanity and how specific items can hold so much value causing affect. Moreover, how each box is a Pandora, giving insight into the lives and dreams of each individual owner. This is a great film which I like for many aspects, it’s pacing, the artistic void open industrial spaces, how you connect with the characters through their prized possessions, the sense of voyeurism, and the slight feeling of sympathy, that their lives and dreams have been restricted to a box. The film is successful in documenting a sense of place and evoking humanities foibles. The films form relates to its content through the disconnected voice over, rather than filming them talking she shows a series of shots focusing on the spaces, the contents and the people, this amplifies the disconnection of the owners from their past lives and dreams.
Notes; sunrise, static handheld, pretty images, creating abstract spaces, pacing of film matches music (fast paced making a mundane commute into something energetic and exciting, looking up at sky, no narration/voiceover, sped up shots, disorientation, becoming more abstract, ending similar to start journey now coming to an end.
The theme of the film expresses urban travel; the main aim of the Director is to show what would normally be a mundane morning commute as something beautiful and uplifting. The focus isn’t on a specific person, instead having a loose narrative structure focussing on the journey from beginning to end. I personally like the film for its artistic abstract shots. The documentary was successful in portraying urban travel creating a sense of place, however, failed to go into detail about what life is like, creating more of an artistic snapshot. Its form evokes upbeat modernity but fails to inform.
Notes; Theme; relationship between father and kids – biological; aim; show his feelings/emotions; focus; emotions of protag; elements that stood out; mise en scene e.g. writing on door; dilapidated; form relating to film; techniques observational camera work – not intrusive.
The main theme of the film is that of the relationships within “unconventional” working class families, the aim of the d. was to portray this. Personally I disliked the film due to a lack of interest in the subject matter, moreover, the edit and handheld camera appeared unprofessional. The focus was on the challenges of being a young biological and non-biological dad. The film was successful in dealing with its subject matter, giving an insight into his life and evoking sympathy. The mise en scene of the drab scribbled on house stood out for me, however, this seems to be documenting what is rather than the film maker’s style or choice. The films form of rough camera work and editing, compliments its setting/ subject matter. I found the film realistic and unobtrusive, which makes for a great form of documentary, documenting the truth.
Notes; pregnancy, on fairground ride, narrates is life alongside images, whole life, daughter, cancer dies, wheel – circle of life, non-diegetic music, experimental form of documentary.
The theme of the film is the circle of life, the aim of the Director is to tell a story in a creative experimental way. The focus is on the life and death of a man. In particular I like how the focus is on the circle of life and how the spinning fairground ride is circular and spinning lots of lives around. It was successful in its subject matter, portraying a general view of life which could affect many people. The idea and execution particularly stood out to me having great form. I found the stop motion/zoetrope effect interesting with the imagery relating to the voice over conveying the narrative.
Notes; hand held, answering questions the viewer doesn’t hear being asked, focussing in and out, paperboy describing his life, over exposed sky – sound man’s shadow in shot – faults add to its realism, descriptive, different characters come into his life- friends – parents – reflective of life.
The theme of the film focusses upon the American suburban traditions, looking into the role of being a paperboy. The aim is to give insight into this way of life. I really enjoyed the film, it had good pacing throughout. The out of shot interviewer exposed the childhood innocence and how young they really are e.g. when asked about the future of paper boys. Moreover showing how this American tradition develops them; teaching good lessons in life, giving a sense of responsibility, experiencing freedom, giving a taste of adulthood, and how to be a good person. The film maker was successful in getting out of these boys their true thoughts and imaginations, giving insight into their characters. The tracking shots amplified this sense of freedom and independence; no one is portrayed as telling them what to do.
Notes; sped up footage of night sky, strong soundtrack, radio voice over – reporting close encounter – real archive sound?, using lights sped up to create light trails, campsite – making life seem quite alien.
The theme of the film was close encounters, utilising a very abstract approach to documentary. I assume the radio voice over was from a real close encounter on that site to keep it true to the form of documentary. The aim of the Director was to evoke a sense of mystery, portraying a narrative in an artistic approach, rather than getting you to question a belief. I found it quite inspirational, having worked with light art photography before, this brings a new dimension of meaning. It was successful in dealing with its subject matter, its form means that it’s not trying to convince you to believe in alien encounters like other standard documentaries. Conversely, does this make you question whether there is an enjoyment for this short based purely on aesthetical reasons? In which case, it lacks depth and meaning.
Notes; non/diegetic, different age groups talking about love, use smaller screens to draw attention to detail, uses on screen text with voice over, tracks across each person whilst not speaking, zooming in on them, cuts parts out but keeps same shot, each person is dealt with in the same filmic style/technique to further evoke that this subject affects all.
The theme of the film is love, with the Directors aim to evoke that love conquers all. The main focus of the film is on the effort and pain that love can create, but how it is a special part of human life. I can vividly recall all of the shorts despite being a few days later, apart from this one, which suggests it fails at captivating its audience. There is no real narrative structure, it neither begins nor ends, with the only real conclusion that it effects all ages and it can take but it’s good. You haven’t particularly learnt anything from this documentary nor does it give a deep insight into the characters involved. The only redeeming feature is that it may trigger your own experiences/memories, creating affect.
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