The first film I managed to see at this year's Cork Film Festival was DAVID FARRELL: ELUSIVE MOMENTS, a documentary receiving its world premiere at the festival (appropriately enough given the local interest in some aspects of it).
Farrell, in case you didn't know, is an acclaimed photographer. I say this as if I have a clue but I'll be honest, I'd never heard of him before this festival. That's not meant to sound like I'm putting him down, I just don't follow photography. Truth be told, I'd struggle to name a famous photographer.
Or that was the case before this film, obviously. Now at least I can name one. And yes, from my totally limited point of view, I can see that he is indeed a very good one.
My ignorance of photography as an art form actually didn't hinder my enjoyment of the film; quite the opposite. I've never had a problem looking at photographs and saying yes, I like that or no, that's rubbish, but this is as far as it has ever gone. If there's one benefit of me taking in this documentary it's that I have gained a greater appreciation for the kind of things that photographers at the top of their game have to put up with.
That of course strikes me as being perhaps a weakness of the film if you're already an accomplished photographer though. Not to worry however, as it proves to be just as interesting a portrait of Farrell himself, an interesting character who clearly some interesting approaches to the things he photographs and its nice to hear him explain it all.
If like me you know nothing about photography you'll probably end up a little bemused by some of the more technical detail but still learn something about the art and the man; if you're already well-versed in it, well, at least you'll find out about how one particular master goes about things.
If there's one flaw with the presentation itself it's that Farrell's photographs are so good, the film itself looks rather dull and uninspired by comparison. Then again, maybe that's a testament to Farrell's ability rather than any shortcomings of the film.
It doesn't strike me as the sort of thing that is likely to have too many cinema showings, but watch out for it on Irish TV I guess.
Cork coverage to be continued...
Farrell, in case you didn't know, is an acclaimed photographer. I say this as if I have a clue but I'll be honest, I'd never heard of him before this festival. That's not meant to sound like I'm putting him down, I just don't follow photography. Truth be told, I'd struggle to name a famous photographer.
Or that was the case before this film, obviously. Now at least I can name one. And yes, from my totally limited point of view, I can see that he is indeed a very good one.
My ignorance of photography as an art form actually didn't hinder my enjoyment of the film; quite the opposite. I've never had a problem looking at photographs and saying yes, I like that or no, that's rubbish, but this is as far as it has ever gone. If there's one benefit of me taking in this documentary it's that I have gained a greater appreciation for the kind of things that photographers at the top of their game have to put up with.
That of course strikes me as being perhaps a weakness of the film if you're already an accomplished photographer though. Not to worry however, as it proves to be just as interesting a portrait of Farrell himself, an interesting character who clearly some interesting approaches to the things he photographs and its nice to hear him explain it all.
If like me you know nothing about photography you'll probably end up a little bemused by some of the more technical detail but still learn something about the art and the man; if you're already well-versed in it, well, at least you'll find out about how one particular master goes about things.
If there's one flaw with the presentation itself it's that Farrell's photographs are so good, the film itself looks rather dull and uninspired by comparison. Then again, maybe that's a testament to Farrell's ability rather than any shortcomings of the film.
It doesn't strike me as the sort of thing that is likely to have too many cinema showings, but watch out for it on Irish TV I guess.
Cork coverage to be continued...
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