I was recommended this (what I would describe as) docu-series in my proposal feedback, and then again by my tutor, as my interest in candid interviews grew. I don’t generally watch much television as I struggle to stay focused and still enough to watch anything for very long. Fortunately these episodes were just under half an hour long, and I do find documentaries an easier genre to get on with generally.
I enjoyed the first episode a lot – not straight away but it definitely grew on me. I find the manner in which the host/ cameraman, John Wilson applies slightly jarring pauses to his own dialogue a little much – lots of scripted sounding ‘um’s, which, for me, were too noticeable at first.
There became more moments of host-silence as the episode continued and it seemed as though he stumbled onto more action to film, and people to interview. The subject material became much deeper at one point, as conversation with one person turned to the subject of grief.
I personally loved the candid-seeming conversations that John Wilson managed to film and wondered how this was possible – to have so much interesting content captured on film. By episode three I deduce that New York (where the host is from & films) is a pretty action-filled place, a lot of people live there, and as mentioned in episode 3 itself – John Wilson films pretty much constantly throughout his day to day life. He also records everything he does every day, and claims to have done for 10 years at that point in time.
Personally I find this level of dedication admirable, and inspiring. I see data collection as a form of art sometimes, particularly when it’s to document every day happenings. I feel so often, that moments of beauty can be overlooked or forgotten about amidst all the rest of life’s comings and goings. It’s rare, especially in city life (I think), to find moments to slow down and enjoy surroundings. I feel this is something John Wilson does very well – the empathy and openness he displays through hosting and filming so candidly, feels respectful, yet delicately humorous at points.
Ultimately I felt in awe of his ability to capture so much, and appreciative of his own candid approach (minus the ‘um’s). He seems inoffensive – especially when compared to the interviewing strategies of someone such as Louis Theroux, whom I have quite a dislike for; I find him disrespectful and intrusive. I’m aware this can be a topical approach to meeting with different people, particularly if they themselves hold perhaps controversial views. Nevertheless, I get a tight feeling in my gut when I watch Louis Theroux’s rather invasive, and patronising, style of interviewing. The same tightness can be linked with watching episodes of The Office (UK) and Extras, both written and starring Ricky Gervais, whom I also have quite a dislike of, although I loved both The Office and Extras – perhaps because when an episode ended I was happily forced to remember that discomfort is fully scripted. ‘No persons were actually undervalued in the making of this show’ (or so I hope).
I liken John Wilson’s approach to that of Strangers on a Bench host, Tom Rosenthal’s approach. Even though I currently don’t plan to interview anyone but myself for my FMP – I’m wanting to take others’ viewpoints and experiences in to as much consideration as I do in day to day life.
I feel Wilson knows his levels of safety well, though, he certainly pushed those boundaries in episode one, at least; as he rocked up to drug-fuelled Spring Break parties. I can’t help but feel I would be putting myself into another category of risk altogether by engaging with the general public in this way. Being truthful – it’s not a concept that was far beyond my youth, and I attended a fair amount of parties more or less unexpectedly over the years – yes, I do wish I’d had my camera with me then many times. Would I aim to relive those experiences, and put my safety at risk now for the sake of capturing interesting footage? I think not.