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.

A terribly tragic narrative enhanced by the unique approach of the form. By interspersing the overly dramatic news footage with scenes following actors lip-syncing the voices of the actual participants, the film recaptures the horror of these tragic lives in a quiet, almost subversive way. Further, the illusion of reality created by using actors with real voices significantly points to the illusory qualities of the kind of lives we see portrayed on the screen--people there, but not all there.

Find my review here:

http://hannahmchaffie.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/documentary-look-again/

http://reelinsights.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/documentary-look-again.html

Intriguing method of relaying the true life story. Generational pain and abuse.

Creature Comfort-style approach of actors lip-synching real interviews is an odd one, but that doesn't stop The Arbor from being a bracing, passion-igniting portrait of rough living and the hurt we cause the ones we supposedly love.

A rarity for me in that I hadn't have a clue what The Arbor was about until I watched it. Really gripping, compelling and true story made in a way that propelled it above other documentaries. Has to be seen to be believed.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

One of the most depressing - but essential - films I have ever seen.

Interesting concept for storytelling, but it was unbearably depressing!!! Bit of a harsh rating, but this was because I just found it difficult to enjoy given the story and there was no ray of hope to cling on to! :-/

A wonderfully inventive opening half an hour won't quite able to sustain the same level during it's unremittingly bleak second half.