Some more from MIFF, this time documentaries. When I first read the program I thought the documentary program was weaker than in previous year but that was wrong. In addition to those I included in my Overview I really enjoyed these ones.
SIDE BY SIDE was a good solid documentary, clear and concise technical explanations about the differences between film and digital cinematography. Keanou Reeves was a good interviewer and his familiarity with both the craft of film-making and the people eliciting revealing responses from famous directors, less well known cinematographers and editors. I was pleased to see a few women, including a fantastic English woman whe edited the latest James Bond movie. It was interesting that there was not a clear young versus old divide, many of the younger interviewees were keen on the traditional film whilst older people were just as likely to embrace the new digital product. It gave you a good insight overall into the craft of film making.
IN COMPANY OF ERIC ROHMER was a beautiful documentary. Made by one of his regular actresses, so done with love and respect. But she didn’t have great camera skills; much of it was out of focus and she spent some of her time cajoling her son into helping on the technical side, which he did reluctantly. Lots of lovely shots of Paris. There were excerpts of the films inserted during discussions between different actors and the Director about their experience making them. The Director was wonderful, so cultured, quoting slabs of poetry, reminiscing, talking about his ambition and objectives when making his films and some of the technical dofficulties – waiting for the green ray. Very impressive. He was such a handsome young man. Overall the film gave great insight into his apprach to film making and certainly made me want to revisit his films.
STEP UP TO THE PLATE followed the chef Michel Bras, as he started handing over the reins of his three Michelin star restaurant to his son Sebas (Sebastian). Sebas’s mother spoke the truth when she said, it’s easier to climb up than to take over when you’re at the top. Both father and son seemed conflicted. Senior didn’t look as though he wanted to give it away. Junior looked burdened by expectations. One of the most interesting aspects of the documentary was following the creative process as Sebas set about creating a new dish, to reflect his history – a way to set his stamp on the restaurant. That was interesting, seeing the thought and ideas going into it. Both were very honest, Michel saying if he didn’t still go in to talk to the cooks, go to market, he would die. Proving greatness involves total commitment. There were scenes at the market, the careful selection of produce. Beautiful countryside – seen in all seasons. A community celebration, people identified by name and Michelin stars – famous chefs who had flown in for the occasion. Other scenes in Japan where there is a Bras restaurant. Interesting seeing the two cultures. More beautiful scenery. All very interesting.
JOURNAL DE FRANCE was painted an attractive portrait of an engaging photographer with a very interesting history. I jad not heard of Raymond Depardon but he has certainly been around for a lot pf historical events. He is still travelling around France taking beautiful still photographs of everyday rural life. This was interspersed with contemporary films of historic events – Prague Spring, mercenaries in Biafra, hostage situations in Africa, revolutions in Chad, Central African Republic, hardship in Mogadishu. Presidential elections in France, Giscard D’Estaing. A wonderful scene with Nelson Mandela – who demonstrated how he could breath a minute – amazing. He fell in love with the desert. Interesting given the earlier documentary some footage of Eric Rohmer and the team during the filming of The Thin Green Line. All very interesting.
Despite rave reviews I felt somewhat emotionally manipulated by THE UNDEFEATED. A feel good story of a down and out college football team that comes good. Big hearted volunteer coaches (white) could be living in a different country from the black kids they are coaching – incredible. The boy who is taken to live at the home of one of the coaches is amazed, ‘it looks so different here, people jogging – if anyone was jogging where I live people would think he was running away from the police‘. He has to live with his coach to receive extra tutoring to get him to the academic standard required if he gets a football scholarship to college. No white person would go to the boy’s neighbourhood to deliver any tutoring. All very authentic, but milked for all the emotion it can muster.
My faith in MIFF documentaries restored!
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