That Great British Documentary
The BLM group I belong to discussed That Great British Documentary yesterday. Opinions on it were more divided than we generally find when we discuss a topic. For me this is a clue that the film touches on something that is seldom discussed or thought about in our society. So, what was the film about? After a few days' reflection I've decided that it is about three things, all of which are signposted by the film's title. Who gets to decide what is and what is not great? Who gets to decide what is and what is not British? Who gets to decide what is and what is not a documentary? Throughout, the film maker, JoanJoan, refers to her film as Bafta award winning. Of course, it is no such thing. Her point is: nobody will ever consider it for a Bafta. But why not? Our group discussed the often chaotic way that the film was shot and edited. Some felt that this undermined the message of the film, while others felt that this was an important part of the story that it was telling; t