What Are Dreams? - Documentary Review

I saw a Nova special on Dreams. As far as their documentary techniques, I noted that they relied a lot on auditory and visual stimulus. Almost the entirety of the piece had a voice over. I suppose some of that is because of the subject matter. You can't really 'interview' dreams. But you can interview specialists, and they did. They did a good job of picking charismatic scientists to speak, it can be painful to watch when someone has a stutter or a thick accent. Something that really inspired me was their exposition. I was completely hooked from the first minute. I think if they could keep that intensity the whole time though, it would be more effective. All in all, I learned a lot, but I think they could work on the entertainment factor of it.

 

The Crucial Place of Documentaries in Our Media Focused Society

Truth is a tricky thing. Ever played the game telephone? It gets warps pretty easily. The accurately and successfully tell the truth to a wide audience, you need the perfect medium. And after watching Documentary Filming Tips & Tricks: Camera Equipment - Filmmaking Tutorial 18 and Capturing Reality: The Art of Documentary, I truly understand it. A documentary is the perfect medium to spread knowledge because each time someone sees it, it's unaltered. It stands the test of time. But, to make a documentary influential, it has to be good.
When I was making my own documentary, I really underestimated the importance of B-roll. Now, I see that it really completes the visual aspect of a documentary. It can emphasize what the subject is saying just as inspirational music can. Also, who would have ever thought that 'less is more' applies to equipment too? Your films feel more authentic with less equipment because your subject feels more at ease. I can't wait to try out what I've learned!

Logline for Advice from Mr. Teddy

Advice from Mr. Teddy, a short film by River Ribas:

After a kooky eighties promotional video for Prom, Penny is asked to the school dance by a mysterious admirer. When Penny follows the advice of her childhood bear to 'always take risks' things seem to take a turn for the worst. Is it time to leave Mr. Teddy behind and enter the world of adulthood?

Brad Bird

I'm choosing to emulate Brad Bird, the director of "The Incredibles," "Ratatouille," "The Iron Giant" and "Up,"; an influential director in the animated children and family genre. His work is characterized by his exaggerated and absurd scenarios with characters who otherwise might have been mundane, personified objects or animal and fantastical settings. Ratatouille, The Iron Giant and Up both explore new and budding friendships with two unlikely people (or animals, or robots). All of the movies include "mini-movies" in them, like TV broadcasts or propaganda. It's Bird's way of setting up the location and time of the film. Finally, his movies usually include a character who has been "wronged" who is trying to gain back their honor, dignity, respect etc.

The Descendents

The Descendents could very easily be my favorite movie. I'm can't sday for sure because I've seen hundreds opon thousands of films, but off of the top of my head, this tops the list. The plot was A+. As an audience member, I love plot tie ins. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside when I can connect the pieces all on my own. Also, the characters were very varied and imaginative, I could see them walking down the street, doing their daily activities. A lot of the Hawaiian imagery was beautiful and the cinematography was what really brought me in. A movie worth watching!

Dallas Video Festival

'Planned obsoletion' was the film that was most striking film for me. The cuts were fantastic, I noted the professional feel of them.The topic was also shown from an interesting POV as well. Usually documentaries about waste and the enviornment aren't applicable to audiences at large, but this one reached all people. the first half of the film focussed on how government regulation and control was what initially brought about planned obsoletion. Both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, can relate to this film. Republicans, opposed to government intervention,  would argue that the constitution protects the freedom to use your products for as long as you like. On the other hand, the second half of the film appeals to the left side and Democratic party by stressing environmental issues that have come about due to planned obsoletion. The environmental impacts are upsetting to say the least and Democrats would be outraged to know that so much electronic waste is being shipped to third world countries. I commend the film makers.