I saw this movie at a friend's house. I wanted to convince myself it was fascinating and poignant, to make my friend happy, but all I got was frustrated. I was especially uncomfortable with the footage of people in third world countries waving to an aerial drone that probably cost more than they would ever make in their lives. The entire premise, distribution and financial support of this production is flawed in the same way that excessively materialist societies are doomed.
The movie starts with an individual confessing to the camera about some very emotional aspects of his life, and I was expecting the rest of the movie to emulate the level of insight and personal reflection one would see in an Errol Morris documentary, but the very next shot after this is of FLAMINGOS. Several more flamingo shots ensue and one is left wondering what happened to the humans.
There are shots of water, sand, and skies as well, all very artistic and beautifully photographed. They reminded me of the precious articles of clothing seen at the fundraisers for non-profit organizations. The shots had no use other than to signify a golly-gee token of beauty that would only be seen by the privileged few, and then stored in a big closet in some mansion out in the hills.
In addition, there were some perplexing continuity issues with the editing. While the headshot of a person is being interviewed, the movie will cut to a headshot of a different person while they are still talking, and then another and another. One is left to wonder, who are these other people? Friends? Relatives? Pen pals?
I suppose the intention of this film is to glorify the various aspects of "being" human, but I just didn't feel right through the whole thing. To be honest, I had a strange sensation of wanting to go to the bathroom the entire time I was watching it, even though I didn't need to go. The movie is not exactly boring, it's just a bit off kilter.
The movie starts with an individual confessing to the camera about some very emotional aspects of his life, and I was expecting the rest of the movie to emulate the level of insight and personal reflection one would see in an Errol Morris documentary, but the very next shot after this is of FLAMINGOS. Several more flamingo shots ensue and one is left wondering what happened to the humans.
There are shots of water, sand, and skies as well, all very artistic and beautifully photographed. They reminded me of the precious articles of clothing seen at the fundraisers for non-profit organizations. The shots had no use other than to signify a golly-gee token of beauty that would only be seen by the privileged few, and then stored in a big closet in some mansion out in the hills.
In addition, there were some perplexing continuity issues with the editing. While the headshot of a person is being interviewed, the movie will cut to a headshot of a different person while they are still talking, and then another and another. One is left to wonder, who are these other people? Friends? Relatives? Pen pals?
I suppose the intention of this film is to glorify the various aspects of "being" human, but I just didn't feel right through the whole thing. To be honest, I had a strange sensation of wanting to go to the bathroom the entire time I was watching it, even though I didn't need to go. The movie is not exactly boring, it's just a bit off kilter.