Channel Four 3 Minute Wonders

Having read through the 'four docs' webpage section on 3 minute wonders and watched previous entries, I think that in order to be successful and have a film accepted, there are certain expectations and qualities that the film should meet. The film maker should in some way challenge the way a documentary is made and perhaps adopt an unorthodox approach, whether it be in terms of camera shots, format, content, the way it is edited etc. Alternatively, if the film maker can strike an emotional chord amongst the audience due to the content or a compelling story told by an engaing subject, the film may stand up and work as a 3 minute wonder, without the need for unconventional documentary making. As I have witnessed in existing 3 minute wonder films, personal and reflective pieces also work very well and are popular with the 3MW comissioners.

Previous 4Docs/3 Minute Wonders

A Day In The Life Of A Farmer's Wife



http://www.channel4.com/fourdocs/film/film-detail.jsp?id=55185

This short film has a really interesting and engaging style which portrays the film maker's everyday life in a very appropriate and personal way. The first thing that appealed to me when watching it was the background classical music, which seems perfect for this kind of documentary. Its uplifting and jovial tone accentuates the sarcasm and monotomy that comes across through the subject. Thats not to say that the documentary is boring, because part of the intentions of the film maker is to get that aspect of her day across for the audience to embrace as a funny thing, evoking lighthearted sympathy at the same time. I like the use of close up camera shots too, which break up any conventional establishing shots and maintains interest. The hand-held extreme close ups on the farmer's wife's face work really well, particularly because it isn't framed typically with her face central on screen. Some of the shots look more professional than others which are more home video style, but I think this works for what it is. The sometimes clumsy or over exposed shot suits the nature of her everyday life. We really get a sense of the chaos, muck and outdoors which is bitterly portrayed by the patient but frustrated farmer's wife. The beauty of documentary, which I need to remember when making my own, is that there is a certain freedom to stylize the film work as long as it is appropriate to the context and tone of the documentary. Rules can be broken as long as it is for good reason and the audience can watch at ease and convey what is going on.

Northern Jew



http://www.channel4.com/fourdocs/film/film-detail.jsp?id=61405

I think the main quality of this film that makes it work as a short documentary is the content from the characters of the two subjects. The style of the edit and filming is rough and by no means technical or beautiful. But this does not distract or become too noticeable. It almost make the viewer focus on the subjects in hand all the more. The handheld footage and blunt cuts are integral in communicating the characters and personality of the elderly couple. The opening is immediatelt touching and engaging as the old lady sings to the camera. As the interview unfolds we get a real sense of the couple's married life whilst at the same time learning something about their past, which potentially could have been boring or irrelevant. However the humour that comes out of their conversations and mild bickering makes it so entertaining and lighthearted. Contrary to the reviews it received on FourDocs's website, which criticise the lack of weight behind the stories being told, I actually don't see that as being the most important aspect of the film. It may have been the intention of the filmmaker, but what I personally got out of it was a great deal of humour (even if it wasn't intentional). In some ways, the fact that the stories are fairly boring adds to the humour and typifies the character of most peoples grandparents. I like the fact that the old man takes time to answer, and then almost lands himself in it with his wife by forgetting to mention to the people at home that she is a wonderful singer!

Kombat Breakers



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_jraVNy4mA

This is quite an unusual short film which is difficult to pin down in terms of its purpose and tone. However because of its obscure purpose it makes it all the more engaging. Perhaps it helps that the visuals are really quite strong. If this wasn't the case I don't think it would stand up as well as it does. The direction of photography is in my opinion its main quality. The colours are very vivid when lit against the night sky by the floodlights of the running track. It creates a nice contrast of warmth and cold/darkness.