Amy-Digital Technology, Filmmaker's Theories, Context Flashcards
(9 cards)
Importance of digital technology
Much of the footage is digital:
Photos used to show true side of Amy- at lowest, intimate.
Used to manipulate spectator reactions to ‘characters’, for example Mitch and Blake introduced by others, setting up the way they’re viewed before they get chance to introduce themselves. Other ‘characters’ like Nick, Lauren, and Juliet introduce themselves.
Use of paparazzi pictures- insight into what caused Amy’s problems.
Editing Lyrics over images- links songs with moments of Amy’s life. Could be seen as limiting and manipulative.
Still able to manipulate reality without digital tech but easier and faster with digital tech.
Documentary Techniques
Voice Over- essential to Kapadia’s construction of the film and how people are portrayed.
Interviews
Archive footage- the whole film
Montage
Music
Longinotto- Filmmaker Theory
Voiceover used to provide context
No soundtrack- Diegetic sound
No formal interviews
Long takes- minimal editing
No freezeframes or dissolves
Footage filmed for doc- not archive
Less constructed characters
Longinotto- Filmmaker Theory- Similarities to Kapadia
Audience connection
High levels of verisimilitude
Director’s invisible presence
Open endings to raise questions
Subject of doc- primary focus
Broomfield Filmmaker Theory
Lots of voiceover / narration
Broomfield a clearly present figure in doc
Long winded- includes things such as making of doc and being refused rights etc
Starts with death
Pictures as proof (investigative) rather than as emotion like Kapadia
linear narrative
use of archive footage
Social Context
Study of patriarchy and vulnerability of young women- especially in the male dominated music industry
Highlights mental health issues- eg bulimia and the relationship between MH and drug abuse- questions both marriage and family
Responsibility of the paparazzi
Cultural Context
Draws attention to digital footprint and how easily narratives can by constructed by both ourselves and others
Political Context
Highlights problems surrounding free press and intrusive paparazzi. Can be seen as a critique of capitalism.
Need for schadenfreude within audience which is fed by representing celebrities in a mocking and uncaring way.
Institutional Context
British Indie film funded by Film4 and two small indie companies (1 USA 1 Canada)
Funding from Universal Music UK- Money grab, possibly clear studio of fault.
Distributed by Altitude Film Distribution
Forms a loose trilogy from Kapadia alongside Senna and Diego Maradona
