Textual Analysis #3

'Behind The Beat' (A2 Production)


‘Behind The Beat’, although short in length manages to include a number of documentary conventions, in such a way that it doesn’t appear cramped or over done, as well as providing it’s audience with information on it’s chosen subject in an entertaining and interesting way. Interviews and footage from local gigs give a detailed insight into the subject and provide a fairly detailed explanation of what ‘beatboxing’ actually is as well as describing it’s history, amazingly this doesn’t feel rushed despite all taking place within the space of five and a half minuets. The interviewee and subject, at all times sounds knowledgeable as well as believable and is obviously very talented. The production makes effective use of low budget and its relatively plain setting (rural Suffolk) makes for an exciting contrast when compared with the underground beatboxing scene which it hides. Shots are held perfectly steady when need be and are very varied, ranging from close ups and tilted shots of the interviewee to long shots which show the setting. A wide range of shots also allows the producer to keep the audience attention by changing location regularly. A particularly effective shot is one that is taken out of the front window of a car and shows the journey to a club in Ipswich, which is speeded up allowing the production to flow seamlessly. The first shot we see is an establishing shot which slowly pans around to give the viewer a feel for the area as well as set them up for a contrast when the production gets going. If there were one problem with the production it would have to be the quality of the voice over but there is little way of correcting this due to the lack of available equipment. I am inspired by the variety of shots within this video and will attempt to use some of them within my own production. I also like the fact the subject matter is presented in an entertaining way and this combined with the varied shot types makes for a thoroughly enjoyable video.

Textual Analysis #2

The Manson Family (Jim Vanbebber, 2003)

‘The Manson Family’, directed by Jim Vanbebber is a documentary film, detailing the most ‘notorious mass murderers in American history’. The film combines archive footage of interviews and videos with a basic fictional narrative, resulting in an interesting yet occasionally confusing film. The pacing of the film is fascinating set in 1996, some time after the killings, the opening depicts a fanatical group sending a video to the director of the ‘Charlie Movie’. From here is begins to cut between this narrative, the story of the Manson ‘family’ (from their points of view) and interviews with former members. A slight problem with how the narrative is intergrated is the fact that at certain points it doesn’t seem to have much to do with the point which the documentary is actually trying to make and though it certainly adds a lot to the film it seems only their to take up time. I like the idea of mixing a fictional narrative with factual information and believe it would work extremely well if done slightly better. If I had more time in order to make my documentary I might attempt to include a basic narrative plot in order to enforce a point. Unlike Fahrenheit 911, 'The Manson Family' isn't so much attempting to make a point on any thing rather simply showing people the facts and allowing them to decide for themselves, this also however gives a slightly less personal feel in the directorial style, somthing which I enjoy in Michael Moore's films. 'The Manson Family' does not at any point use a voice over, a common trait of documentary.