Documentary

Documentary Review

Brian Chen

Though the short documentary "Desk-Music and Sound Design” directed by Mark Gardner might sound uninterestin g, it is a great film to watch and ponder. It is an insightful look into how the commonplace, humble desk shapes our lives, along with what it represents to us. Ultimately, it addresses, through the opinions of many desk workers, what the future might have in store for this piece of furniture. //Desk// asks people: What is a desk to you? How does it effect your work? What sort of desk helps you to be most productive? The film is really made by the people—they create not just its framework, but carriers of the film’s message: desks are a larger part of human life than we think. From an designer who needs a clear space to a writer who thrives on a messiness, people from all walks of life contribute their opinions on what works for them—and why. However , everybody interviewed agrees that the desk is a quintessential part of any good workspace. This is constantly stressed in the film, along with the unanswered quest ion: n ow that we have mobile phones and laptops, do we even need a desk? Overall, for such a short film, //Desk// packs a huge amount of careful thinking and consideration to detail, something one could truly call a success for that thing we sit at to do our work.

Nice job Brian. An interesting film. 20/24 media type="custom" key="7201273"

Documentary Notes

1) 50 people, one question

-The question: Where would you want to wake up tomorrow? -The answers: People want to wake up everywhere!

-It joins people who have similar visions together (Paris and Paris) -the films starts out from small, easy answers to deeper, more emotional ones -many people can not respond -Everybody is interviewed int the same space -The interviewer does not speak -the soft background music matches the content

2) Last Minutes With ODEN

-a first person point of view -an emotional feel is implied using sad, emotional music and cut scenes (some of people crying) -the narrator does not actually describe what is happening in the film, but gives some background knowledge.

3) The Black Hole

-third-person point of view -not really a documentary -only one character -there is a quiet, almost eerie feel (no background music, "scary" sound effects, etc.) -only one character creates a sense of isolation -humourous and has many morals

4) The Bully Project

-a deep, somber documentary -hollywood style endings--many bullied kids are better off -emotional shots and stories draw the watcher in -Moments of silence and quiet music contrasting moments of intense action and music