tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330397312471694316.post4226215441061866142..comments2023-06-30T07:25:02.637-07:00Comments on Considering the Cinema: To This Blog's Documentary FilmmakersJason Pyles, Movie Critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335353071850524427noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330397312471694316.post-4667233906690396382008-10-25T03:40:00.000-07:002008-10-25T03:40:00.000-07:00Joshua,Yes, tell Andrew I said he should take your...Joshua,<BR/><BR/>Yes, tell Andrew I said he should take your recommendation and check out "My Kid Could Paint That." Also, the two of you have no doubt seen "Hoop Dreams" (1994), but just in case you haven't, Roger Ebert considers it one of the greatest documentary films ever made. And he's right.<BR/><BR/>When I wrote this initial post the other day, I felt compelled to visit my Flix Club blog and put an explanation in the right-hand column. I'm not sure why, at this point. Nobody asked me (except you two), but I thought if any viewers of your film venture onto my blog, I wanted them to be able to read how I was associated with Flix Club.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, when I was visiting the site, I saw where you asked if I had my articles in digital form. No, unfortunately, I don't think I do. However, there might be one more place I can check. I'll get back to you on that.<BR/><BR/>As for your comment regarding "My Kid Could Paint That," yes, it's that third portion of the film where the filmmaker turns and focuses on himself (especially the driving scene) that I haven't seen before in other docs. I guess one could argue that Morgan Spurlock or Michael Moore always seem to implicate themselves into their films, but this is entirely different, because we get the feeling that the filmmaker initially didn't plan on being in his own film. Indeed, it begins with the camera as a silent, invisible (to us) onlooker. And I like how eventually, he ventures out IN FRONT of the camera, as the interviewer.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad to hear you're plugging away at the CleanFlicks documentary. Remember, I want to purchase one of the first DVD copies from you guys. I, too, am fascinated with your story.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, don't worry about being busy. Everybody's busy. Write whenever you can. I'm here to hold down the fort and keep it rolling. I'll keep trying to provoke you all. And if you'd like to recommend a movie pick, let me know your selection and I'll stick it into the rotation. Oh, and you can write a post for "There Will Be Blood," or any film for that matter, any time you want. It doesn't have to be "the film of the week."<BR/><BR/>Thanks for writing.<BR/>JasonJason Pyles, Movie Critichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18335353071850524427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330397312471694316.post-83027715644033824972008-10-20T11:49:00.000-07:002008-10-20T11:49:00.000-07:00Jason,Thanks for the recommendation. I have indeed...Jason,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the recommendation. I have indeed seen <I>My Kid Could Paint That</I> and it has been an interesting influence on me as I've thought about the Cleanflix documentary. I have actually been trying to get Andrew to watch it for some time as I feel that the filmmaker was grappling with many of the same issues with his film as we are with ours.<BR/><BR/>Stylistically, the film is very different and not a good film for us to look at in terms of visuals or content, but I do wonder if taking a closer look at the structure could serve us well. As I was telling Andrew last week, the film is really split into three distinct sections that are almost three different films. First, you have the documentary the filmmakers set out to make, an examination of modern art through the lens of this young girl. Second, there is the twist that is thrust upon the filmmakers, which I will not spoil for those that haven't seen the film. And third, you have this fascinating meditation on non-fiction filmmaking in general where the filmmakers turn the focus on themselves and try to figure out the most responsible way to tell this story.<BR/><BR/>Maybe all documentarians and reality filmmakers go through this, but it was especially poignant to me because at the time I saw it because I was going through my own personal examination of the ethical ways in which to tell a shocking and salacious true story. I definitely think anyone making non-fiction films should watch <I>My Kid Could Paint That</I>. Not because it's an amazing film, really, but because it deals with all of the questions and concerns that any thoughtful person is going to have when shaping a story using the lives of real people. So, thanks again for the recommendation. You were right on in thinking that it might apply to us.<BR/><BR/>Also, I am sorry that I haven't participated in this blog for some time. Andrew and I have been swamped with the Cleanflix documentary (getting a cut in to Sundance and off to our investors) and I also found a financial need to work as a Production Designer on another director's narrative feature film. I'm especially sad that I missed the conversation on <I>There Will Be Blood</I>. I think that this is a great group of thoughtful film watchers and although the way that I view films differs greatly from many of the group, I am always interested in hearing the ideas and experiences of others. I'll try to participate more in the future.Joshua Ligairihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09303954694927465470noreply@blogger.com