Essay question:
How has filmmaker, Turner brothers and Coodie Simmons constructed a narrative in their work/ film?
My Topic Area of study is documentary film making . This topic is important to be as my whole life I have been involved in sports, mainly athletics and I believe the struggles and obstacles often needed to overcome are not spoken about enough. For my creative inspiration i chose the turner brothers due to the fact they made the documentary ‘I am bolt’ which is a similar theme, I have also chose Coodie Simmons who made ‘Jeen – yuhs’ a documentary about Kanye wests life, I chose this due to the style of his work and his use of archival footage paired with present day to express emotion and tension. I will be comparing and contrasting the two film products and there construction of a narrative to build a relation to the subject and the viewer but also build a story that leaves a lasting thought.
The history of documentary in film and photography spans over a century and has had a profound impact on the way we perceive and understand the world around us. It all began with the advent of cameras in the late 1800s, which allowed for the capture of real-life events and the telling of stories through visual imagery. In the early years, documentary photography emerged as a powerful tool for documenting reality and shedding light on social issues. Renowned photographers such as Lewis Hine and Dorothea Lange used their cameras to expose the harsh realities of poverty, child labour, and inequality, giving a voice to the voiceless and driving social change. As technology advanced, documentary filmmaking took center stage. These films aimed to capture the authenticity of real-life experiences, providing audiences with a window into different cultures and perspectives. Realism in art aims to depict subjects as they truly are, without any embellishments or exaggerations. Its focus is on capturing the authenticity and unfiltered essence of everyday life.
Coodie Simmons, a renowned filmmaker and music video director, masterfully crafts a narrative in his “Jeen YUHS: A Kanye Trilogy” by employing various techniques and storytelling devices. Through his meticulous direction, Simmons weaves together three distinct documentaries that shed light on different facets of Kanye West’s life and career.
In the first instalment, “Through the Wire,” Simmons employs a chronological approach to showcase Kanye’s journey from his early years to his meteoric rise in the music industry. This narrative structure allows viewers to grasp the progression of events and understand the challenges Kanye faced along the way. By utilizing interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, Simmons creates an immersive experience that captures the essence of Kanye’s creative process and the impact of his ground breaking debut album, “The College Dropout.”
Moving on to the second part, “Jesus Walks,” Simmons delves into the spiritual dimension of Kanye West’s artistry. Here, he employs a thematic narrative approach, exploring the influence of religion on Kanye’s music and personal life. Through in-depth interviews with Kanye and those close to him, Simmons delves into the controversies surrounding Kanye’s album “Yeezus” and examines the profound impact of his Sunday Service events. By intertwining these elements, Simmons constructs a narrative that highlights the transformative power of spirituality in Kanye’s artistic expression.
Lastly, in the third instalment, “Fade,” Simmons shifts his focus to Kanye’s evolution as an artist and his ventures beyond music. Employing a hybrid narrative structure, Simmons combines elements of a character study and a behind-the-scenes documentary. He delves into Kanye’s foray into the fashion industry, particularly his Yeezy brand, and examines his impact on the fashion landscape. By showcasing Kanye’s creative process, collaborations, and the challenges he faces in this realm, Simmons constructs a narrative that reveals the multi-faceted nature of Kanye West as an artist and entrepreneur.
Throughout the trilogy, Simmons employs technical terms such as editing techniques, cinematography, and narrative structure to enhance the storytelling experience. For instance, he utilizes cross-cutting to juxtapose different moments in Kanye’s life, creating a sense of contrast and highlighting the evolution of his artistry.
In I am bolt to create narrative in the documentary, the directors employs various techniques. One of the key methods is through interviews. By interviewing the athletes, coaches, and families, the director can gather first hand accounts and personal stories. These interviews provide insights into the sacrifices and dedication required to excel in sports at a young age. They allow the audience to connect with the athletes on a deeper level, understanding their motivations, fears, and aspirations.
In addition to interviews, the director utilizes behind-the-scenes footage. This footage offers a glimpse into the training sessions, competitions, and daily lives of the teenage athletes. By showcasing the athletes’ routines, struggles, and triumphs, the director brings authenticity and realism to the documentary. The audience gets to witness the hard work and determination that goes into pursuing a career in sports at such a young age.
To enhance the sense of realism, the director pays attention to small details. They capture the athletes’ expressions, body language, and interactions with others. These subtle nuances help convey the emotions and challenges faced by the teenage athletes. Close-up shots are used to highlight the intensity and focus in their eyes, while natural lighting adds a sense of authenticity to the scenes. Realistic settings, such as training facilities and competition venues, further immerse the audience in the world of the athletes.
By exploring the social issues surrounding teenage athletes, the director adds depth to the narrative. They shed light on the pressures faced by young athletes, including balancing academics, social lives, and rigorous training schedules. The documentary also delves into the impact on families, showcasing the sacrifices made by parents and siblings to support the athletes’ dreams. Through these stories, the director humanizes the athletes, reminding the audience that they are not just sports icons, but individuals with dreams, struggles, and aspirations.
Overall, both documentaries showcase the power of narrative storytelling to offer nuanced insights into the lives and careers of their subjects. Through meticulous storytelling and technical expertise, Simmons and the director of “I am Bolt” engage audiences and provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of talent, ambition, and perseverance.