review by David Valkenet
The Arbor 2010
Watched Jul 26, 2012
David Valkenet’s review:
Honestly, I don't think this is for me. I love documentaries that try and experiment with the form, and this is certainly one, but I think it is a failed experiment.
The unusual style, at times really poignant, but more often than not got in the way of the actual story, and disengaged me from the film. I feel like I missed large chunks of the story due to the intrusive style.
I struggled with this after the first half an hour or so.
Nice idea but didn't quite work 100%
Yes! I too enjoyed the first 20 - 30 minutes. Especially when the two girls were talking to the camera and the bed was on fire in the background. Some of those stylistic flourishes were really impressive, but mostly they were just intrusive.