Category: Homework

• What message and overall emotional tone did you take away from the film

Essentially, the main emotional tone that i perceived was a dreary and gloomy tone. The overall message was to look beyond what you might first see, to look deeper into everyday items, objects, spaces, etc. This film is probably the only film I have ever seen that doesn’t have a distinct genre.

• In what ways does this film interweave narrative, documentary and experimental forms of filmmaking while avoiding traditional approaches?

Traditionally, there is a plot line. Rising action, climax, falling action, conclusion, etc. However, I was not able to map out a stable plot line. The narrative was kind of all over the place in terms of theme, however the monotone voice-over did relate to the dreary tone.

• How might Cohen’s creative process have informed the final outcome of the piece? (ie. use of archival footage, working alone vs. collaboratively)

The use of archival footage was really strong. It perfectly fit the mood of “always watching” while trying to find something underneath the norm. I personally enjoy working alone, it’s narcissistic, but it really reflects who you are as an artist. It doesn’t allow any outside opinions to come through.

• What storytelling devices were used for dramatic effect and how so? (ie. repetition, voice over, speed, camera movement, juxtaposition).

Repetition and slow motion enhanced the dramatic effect. The monotone voice-over, the slow-mo, and the blurry camera movement generally are not traditional film practices. There was lots of juxtaposition in how the main shots in the film were of trash and sidewalks, rather than a protagonist or antagonist. Also, I didn’t really like that there was no “aha” moment or climax in the film.

During the first 10-15 minutes of Streetwise, I genuinely wasn’t sure if the film was being completely acted out, or if these were actual children living on the streets. What resonated the most with me was the trust between the kids and the film crew, and how they were able to capture so much of their lives. It was very interesting to see the relationship between Dewayne and his imprisoned father. That entire scene when they’re talking through the glass barrier, I think, was the strongest scene in the whole film. The camera angles really stood out to me in that scene, especially the 3rd person omniscient view, and Dewayne’s perspective as his father’s yelling at him. Overall, I think the film was the most successful when the children were talking to each other, rather than to a doctor, crew member, or anyone that had some kind of authority. Dewayne’s father is an exception to that, because he is more of a symbol, that we only get one conversation with.