Represent the Real (week 1 exercise)
Portrait of GA (Margaret Tait)
This documentary film is based on the directors’ mother ‘Ga’. This film represents the daily actions and movement of the elderly woman where she engages in activities like walking in nature, reading, smoking, sipping on her hot beverage, etc. I felt that the character had a cheerful and sophisticated attitude.
According to me, there was not much space for research in the film as the director was the characters’ daughter but yes I think the director did engage with some amount of research. As mentioned, the character had a clear relation with the filmmaker, she was her daughter.
In the film, I personally felt that the director Margaret focused on the nature aspect quite subtly and I presume the city was another character in the film who closely related to ‘Ga’ and her upbringing. I very much enjoyed this film but if I had to make any changes I would want a bit more information or dialogue telling me more about ‘Ga’.
Pigeon Seduction (Lisa Peterson and Nicky Spears)
This documentary film is about a pigeon collector based in Edinburgh who as a hobby and passion collects pigeons. The film follows the man through his daily journey and life as a pigeon collector. I think the topic chosen is extremely interesting and unique but I got confused if the film was about the pigeon collector or the overall “Pigeon Game”.
There was a good amount of research required for this film and is quite visible. It was well presented through formatted questions and choosing locations.
The film had a questioner with the subject who asked the necessary questions and followed him on the journey.
The film was quite unique and fun to watch however I as an international student would have added subtitles to the film because the film was very difficult to follow due to the thick accent of the main character
Same but Different (Louis Leitch)
This film is about two long-term friends and how their relationship progresses when one of them has transitioned from male to female. The two of them share a long history of traveling with each other. I think it was quite an interesting approach for this topic. The maker of this film managed to showcase a broad topic through a simple relationship. The character showcased her daily struggles and how her choice has affected her relationship with others. I think the film does have a clear focus and stays on its topic.
Through research, we get to know that the maker of this film wife of a character. I personally had a few issues with the film which was the film focused more on the friend Neil who’s friends Byron transitioned to a woman. Another was when Neil was referring to Byron still as “he” and the director failed to correct that. The story should have been more about Bryon than of Neil.
This documentary film was shot in a flat and as the description suggests the film is about several series of portraits of four diverse individuals brought together a shared residence. I would say that the character and their personality were portrayed through their flat. I really enjoyed the music of this very film and how the cuts were connected to the music. Personally, I could not connect to this film and I don’t think it had a clear focus. It was quite visually striking and I suggest that the filmmaker had a connection with the house and used its potential to convey the character. I would have wanted some context to the film to connect better with it.
