Films to Note

This is probably going to become a fortnightly feature here on the blog. I am a Cinema student and I want to be a screenwriter when I graduate therefore a big part of my life is watching films. Recently, I started noted down every film I watch and giving it a rating. I did this because all the films were starting to blur into one and I could never recall names. 

This feature will be my way to put my consumption of films to use by recommending five films I love every fortnight. For this first week, I thought I'd have a theme that reflects a lot of what I've been watching lately which is documentaries so here is five of my favourite documentaries.

1. Spellbound (2002)

This is a film about the phenomena of spelling bees in America and follows the story of a group of teenagers who are training for the National Spelling Bee. It's a great journey with amazing characters who you really feel a connection with as the film develops. Definitely an easy watch for someone who doesn't normally watch documentaries as it's a light topic with humour and compassion.

2. Catfish (2010)

There's a lot of media buzz surrounding this film, especially whether it's real or not. I can't comment on it's authenticity but it is an amazing look at the way social networking is affecting our relationships. It follows Nev, a photographer, who creates a friendship with a young girl who paints one of his photographs and as a consequence begins a relationship with the rest of her family too but as he gets pulled in further, everything is not as it seems. A wonderful watch.

3. The Cove (2009)

One of the most affecting documentaries I've ever seen and I constantly rave to everyone about this film. It focuses on the issue of dolphin hunting in Japan and it's just perfectly executed with hints of espionage, tension and just the extreme tragedy of what's happening in the film's namesake cove. Even if you don't care about the issue, watch the film and you will by the end. 

4. Jesus Camp (2006)

Another slightly heavier one about a summer camp for evangelical Christians. It's in the observational style of documentary that I prefer with no spoonfed message but only the madness of the situation. It's obviously a very touchy subject but as someone who is undecided about religion, this film literally made me angry when I was watching it and that kind of visceral reaction to a film is one of the reasons I came away loving the film.

5. My Kid Could Paint That (2007)

A more light hearted one to round off with. Unfolding the story of Marla Olmstead, the four year old modern artist, whose paintings sold for thousands and thousands of dollars, this film explores so many interesting themes such as fraud, the credibility of modern art and also the effects of media on a family. It's crazy to watch a four year old create a piece of art that people are willing to pay that much money for but the second half of the film where doubts are thrown up about whether Marla is doing the paintings herself is where the film really shines.

All images via imdb, click on the photos for youtube trailers.