Documentary Analysis 6

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/films/p004r1f8

Directed by Conor McCormack, "Christmas With Dad" is the story of a young man struggling to define himself through fatherhood. AJ is just 23 years old but already a father to seven children, five from his partner's previous relationships. They live on a sprawling council estate on the outskirts of Bristol: an area plagued by unemployment, drugs and anti-social behaviour, where fewer residents go to university than in any other area of the UK.

I found Christmas with Dad compelling but rather sad-- it seems to me that more education would help the 'Dad' in such circumstances. The filmmaker might agree that a happier future appears unlikely. A beautifully structured film, and thought-provoking. 

Documentary Analysis 4

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/films/p00n582m


A cautionary tale of three characters whose DIY projects have got out of hand. Unable to afford a fully-functioning boat each has bought a landlocked craft in varying states of dilapidation. We watch as they work on their ultimate escape project. Will they break out of the boat 'graveyard' or are their vessels an alternative shed to tinker in that offer no ultimate destination?

Well made with fine shots + editing. While it is about boats and people who love boats, it has evocative connotations - salvaging and restoring our own personal history; unemployment, value, the countryside - and more - that should make it of interest to everyone. 5 stars. Excellent film, seamless between watching and the 'obsessive' enthusiasts.

Documentary Analysis 2

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/films/p00bdl10


'Sundays' profiles three Englishmen. Jim has been running his candlelight ballroom dances for 21 years, Colin is an MG enthusiast who likes nothing more than to get out onto the open road on a Sunday afternoon, and David thinks Sundays should be banned.

This was a lovely little film but I had trouble with the audio. I know with doc-style shooting it is a bit of a problem but the bass made some of it unintelligible. Nevertheless, I thought it was well filmed and a good subject matter. Great little short.

I liked this and laughed out loud at the ballroom dancers doing the classic POV dance partner thing, but stilted....the way things were overlapped, sound and image, worked well, especially the guy who hates sundays ranting about an abyss during more shots of the ballroom dancers.

I think british films, of all kinds, are often too linear and boring; they don't do cross-cutting and they don't play around with image and sound as much as, say, good american films do.... so, nice to see some of that here.