We all love a good documentary don't we? Here are
three I watched earlier this year that I haven’t really got around to writing
about. Check them out!
First up we have Girl Model, a film that
looks at the seedy business of exploited young Russian girls being
scouted to work as models in Japan. Having their heads full of dreams of a
glamorous life abroad, hundreds of young girls audition – not knowing what
really lies in store for them. Of the few that are picked, many never find work, some returning home
thousands of dollars in debt to their agencies; some even end up in
prostitution or worse.
As upsetting as the subject matter may be, for me the most
interesting part of the documentary was the examination of guilt and
denial of American model scout Ashley, who continues to
perpetuate this awful business despite knowing the truth of it and having
experienced how hard it is from her own past (being a former teen model herself). She casually addresses the camera
about the overall process but it’s in the little moments that you start to see
the cracks (such as seeing her potter about alone in her expensive yet bare
house or staring at secretly snapped photographs), looking like she is going to break down at any moment.
Another shocking documentary is the bonkers yet utterly true story of The Imposter, concerning the story
of a missing young boy from Texas who turns up years later in another country.
…Except it’s not really him but French con artist Frederic Bourdin who not only
manages to get away with his pretence – but ends up being accepted by the whole family and
going back to America to live with them. And that's not even half the story...
Narrated by the Bourdin himself (at times with
almost gleeful relish) and interspersed with dramatic reenactments, this film is fascinating
on so many levels – as the filmmakers gradually peel back the layers of information revealing more intrigue and shocking truths as the film goes on. Not
only is the actual story itself so compelling, but the way in which it is told is
simply masterful. A must watch.
Finally for fans of videogames, Indie Game: The Movie - which follows the making of three independent
games (Braid, Fez and Super Meat Boy)
and the lives of the developers behind them. Forget about your multi-million
dollar games companies – this film follows literally four people and the financial
risks, toil and sacrifices they make in order to bring their vision to life. Concerned less with the technical aspect of game development and more on the people involved, the film's focus is intimate and relatable.
Sure, the self-importance of Jonathan Blow and
obsessive nature of Phil Fish will grate on some, but the real heart of the
movie lies with Ed and Tommy of Team Meat,
which really gets you rooting for their success. It’s heartfelt, affecting and
uplifting stuff – and will resonate with anyone who has been through the
process of creating something. Even if you have no interest in videogames
whatsoever, the humanity of the documentary will surely strike a chord with
you. Recommended.
So all in all, three interesting documentaries. If I had to put them in order of recommendation I would say: The Imposter as a definite must see, Indie Game as a recommended watch and then Girl Model only for the curious.
Until next time!
11 Mar 2013
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