FILM REVIEW
UNIT 3
For me, the emphasis of a film review is to capture the essence in which that particular film is attempting to hint at, while elaborating on any shortcomings in a constructive manner, with the use of thoughtful interjection and suggestion. After watching the documentary "Mountain", I read through several reviews, until I came across one written by a Ken Jaworowski for The New York Times, similar to the parameters I hold for reviewing such work. The review emphasized the different forms of narration the director uses for explaining the profound nature of mountain climbing by means of visual cinematography, poetic narration and the use of an orchestra. Ken states, "this is a free-flowing meditation on mountains that is billed as a collaboration in which", "images, music and poetry are given equal weight." He goes on to question the effectiveness of these three narration types by stating, "If that’s really the intent, it’s a futile one: the visuals, as expected, overwhelm all other aspects, and the words," "often strain to seem profound. The music, primarily classical selections performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, is more successful than the voice-over as it supports the images and heightens the tension in the most intimidating scenes." This is Ken's criticism of the peice, while stern, is quite constructive, without being too nitpicky or arrogant. He raps up the review by explaining the overall feeling you get from the piece, by saying, "After it’s over, you don’t remember facts — you recall how you felt." This statement is the entire essence of the documentary, as an exercise in the senses and the feeling that is achieved through mountain climing, this feeling is well stated by Ken and concludes the reviewing process.
SOURCES
For me, the emphasis of a film review is to capture the essence in which that particular film is attempting to hint at, while elaborating on any shortcomings in a constructive manner, with the use of thoughtful interjection and suggestion. After watching the documentary "Mountain", I read through several reviews, until I came across one written by a Ken Jaworowski for The New York Times, similar to the parameters I hold for reviewing such work. The review emphasized the different forms of narration the director uses for explaining the profound nature of mountain climbing by means of visual cinematography, poetic narration and the use of an orchestra. Ken states, "this is a free-flowing meditation on mountains that is billed as a collaboration in which", "images, music and poetry are given equal weight." He goes on to question the effectiveness of these three narration types by stating, "If that’s really the intent, it’s a futile one: the visuals, as expected, overwhelm all other aspects, and the words," "often strain to seem profound. The music, primarily classical selections performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, is more successful than the voice-over as it supports the images and heightens the tension in the most intimidating scenes." This is Ken's criticism of the peice, while stern, is quite constructive, without being too nitpicky or arrogant. He raps up the review by explaining the overall feeling you get from the piece, by saying, "After it’s over, you don’t remember facts — you recall how you felt." This statement is the entire essence of the documentary, as an exercise in the senses and the feeling that is achieved through mountain climing, this feeling is well stated by Ken and concludes the reviewing process.
SOURCES
Jaworowski, Ken. "Review: 'Mountain' Features Frightening Sights and Breathtaking Images." The New York Times. May 10, 2018. Accessed November 07, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/10/movies/mountain-review.html?referrer=google_kp.
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