In the trailer we viewed in class named “The Prisoner or: How I Planned to Kill Tony Blair” they used specific methods to introduce the movie and its subject. For example, things such as emphasis on sounds when the man describes the torture that had happened to him and they place additional sounds in the background that mimic sounds as if someone is being punched- forcing the viewer to further imagine the actions being explained.

Amongst also using additional audio to emphasize the stories being told, was also the usage of a specific technique that I believe made this trailer it’s individuality and what makes it “captivating”. This technique is how the film maker started off the trailer with clips and actual footage, and then smoothly transitions to animations of what was being explained. During the animations is where the voiceover comes in and it is what keeps the sense of reality prominent.

In “Waltz With Bashir” the trailer, they use a completely different technique and introduces this film by animating images and layering cartoonized images over literal real photographs. I believe that this was a vital part of creating the effectiveness that made the message considered prominent. Prominence in the sense of giving the viewer a sneak peek on the emotions that are felt and derived from this film. Along with the animated photo technique I believe ending the video with the viewer intrigued of what the true meaning of the film is- only contributes to the focus of the remaining specific techniques used. The general idea of this movie is about a soldier that loses his memory. This was first really prominent throughout the trailer more towards the end. This instance was when the soldier (main character)  had appeared to not recollect any memories. This is shown as he approaches people and tries asking them questions to help him try and remember. Then, images of violent flashbacks are shown with deaths he had experienced, and notifying the viewer that he could be in the beginning process of gaining his memory back.

Full Length Documentary Analysis:

For selection in documentaries, I had decided to watch the film “Baraka”. This film started with portraying varying religions and their cultures that went hand-in-hand. With this portrayal it helped also show the different methods of peace and tranquility and the beliefs that led them to practice towards those goals. I believe the way the filmmakers went about this approach made this film feel like it was produces in a less biased light.

They emphasized the non-biased view, by bringing in a large variety of focal points. Focal points such as dangerous jobs and the affects on the workers, the natural effects it has on their environments (such as deforestation). Starting with specific conflicts and then slowing moving onto other situations- making it seem like a vast and larger portion of a dilemma. By not using just one focus helps the viewer comprehend and bring a less opinionated idea of the overall documentary. Showing these varying groups of people and their different ways of life only inevitably helps others who view such films to be more open minded.

As referred to previously, the transition points are extremely valued in this film. Valued, in the sense that the technique they used was to have the effect of keeping a relevant topic to carry over into a neighboring one. This was done by having a current clip on the screen, and then transitioning over to one that is even the slightest bit related in the discussion of subjects/topics. For example, in the film there was a clip of a man with tattoos on his back (using symbolism by referring to the designs), and then clipping it to a shot of a young boy with paintings on his face. Emphasizing the symbols of both and the variance of cultures and their usage of body markings.

Since this film is considered a non-narrative one, it is clear that the valued role or at least one of them would be the observer.  This is solely because throughout the documentary, using the perspective of almost “being there” and watching these people live their everyday lives makes it as a extremely realistic approach. With this film being without a narrator, there is a high reliance on visuals. Which makes a larger space for the viewers own interpretation. Yes, with there being interpretation makes it seem as if it would be a highly opinionated film outcome, but with the real and non-biased shots- makes for a maximized potential for a open minded absorption of this information. These shots throughout the film were taken with detail and the angles are of extreme value as well. These shots were taken close and level to the people being filmed- which played a role in the feeling of “being there” and almost experiencing these environments in person.

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