Today in class we each spoke one of the observations we’d written. This was a great open discussion that enabled us all to not only see how we could develop and explore the act of writing observations themselves, but also how we could possibly translate the observations we’d already written into film.
Through this discussion, as well as feedback from Robin, I realised that my own observations were too centralised on myself, on my own experience, feelings, morals and attitudes and this then limited my observations and interactions with the world, as I was unable to observe past my own inner experiences, when the act of observation itself innately requires to externally observe, to be outside ones self. Robin also ha an idea as to how to approach this process, in order to help distance ones self from the act of writing observations in response to a question from Penelope. He said that it may help to act as though you weren’t there The act of re-describing details for the reader may help you to re-discover details yourself. I hope to put this ‘system’ into practice soon and dive deeper into the act of observing outwardly, as opposed to observing inwardly.
We also discussed how these observations would translate into films:
We thought that many could be a straight re-enactment. As the moment itself had a great deal of power behind it already, it had an enigma about it, after all you chose to observe it in the first place.
Others were stronger as ideas or base concepts, to build upon and shape. Find the kernel and develop it. It can be a small idea or concept that intrigues you, the intriguing enigma that brought you to observe the moment in the first place, that drives you in a new direction to develop an entirely new story and plot, acting more as an inspiration to delve deep into, and develop upon a new concept and idea.
We also watched excerpts from a film called ‘From the East’, a film that mixes actuality and contrived construction in observational documentary form. More than anything though, to me, this film emphasised the haunting nature of simply observing something. Of letting the act speak for itself, letting the human mind fill in the gaps. It spoke volumes, volumes more than any dialogue ever could.