Major Project: Research- Icurus

Major Project: Research- Icurus

As part of my ongoing research for this documentary, the next film I looked at was the Netflix film Iccurus. This was anotehr film Alex had strong feelings about and recommended we watch as a group. Bellow are my personal notes from the viewing.

• The use of narration laid over stock footage, and mixed with the voice over from the original footage was really effective. It helps the audience piece together a more coherent story in their minds.

• The presenter narrates over their lowest/hardest points and there’s plenty of matching footage/shots. This not only grounds them as a person to make them more connectable as a person, but also provides an early cathartic release that will keep people watching.

• Photos are used when matching stock footage is not available. A technique often used in documentaries that should not be forgotten or underestimated.

• Interviews are trimmed and cut down to make a specific point. Something which I'll be considering in the edit of our film. To keep audience attention is it important that all contributors make a point and make it without too much rambling (something which often has to be guided by the editor).

• Interviews are also used as voice over in places (SOT), this is a technique that could play nicely with our diary room sequence that we've been planning.

• The presenter takes us along with them on their journey; some of this is done “video diary” style. Parts of this are worth considering as a stylistic technique, but other parts should be disregarded for their lack of effectiveness to move the narrative smoothly.

• The presenter doesn’t talk to the audience very often, as a result, we don’t feel a strong connection with them.
• There is a lack of establishing shots or other effective transitions. One of the golden rules of film making has been disregarded here.

• Good cuts between presenter and contributors during interviews, keeping us engaged in the subject matter.

• Sound effects are occasionally put in place over interviews for dramatic effect.

• The pacing of the narrative, editing and music is changed to match the presenter's emotions. This will be a key focus for me going foward.

• Shot types (e.g. handheld vs tripod) also change to match this, giving the documentary a raw feel.

• Car shots help the narrative get from A to B, as well as pick up additional thoughts from the presenter. I really think we can utilise this concept well in our film. Especially with the journey metaphor we will have throughout.

Closing Thoughts

• It has a strong start that introduces us to people and makes some effort to connect us to them.
• Narration helps to direct our attention.
• Some strong storytelling techniques present.
• However, this documentary isn’t quite the style we’re after.

Overall Relevance Score 6/10