 |
| Jeremy Corbyn persuaded me to watch this film |
Ken Loach's "I, Daniel Blake" (2016) is one of the greatest films I have seen all year, and there are many lessons that I can take from it and apply to my own work.
I don't want to analyse it from a technical standpoint, although the film itself was incredible. The acting was flawless, the tone was consistent, it was shot elegantly and the film balanced its levity with its more sombre moments very well. I enjoyed being drawn through all the emotions that the film wanted me to feel.
What stood out for me most, though, was the way the film opened my eyes and made me consider the world from a fresh perspective. It has the power to change peoples' mindsets, which is the mark of any piece of awesome media. It's the kind of film that sparks discussion, outrage at a malfunctioning system and occasionally revolution and is a great example of why film-making is so important. (For a brief summary of the plot, see what Jeremy Corbyn wrote above). This made me think about what I want to do in the industry, and it made me want to divert my energy into creating something that highlights a genuine issue and helps society progress.
It made me rethink what I may be able to someday create. Up until now, the cartoons and animations I've drawn have had no important point or message. I suppose I draw them to be a form of fun escapism. Recently, though, with the world at breaking point in terms of injustice, the class divide and the broken environment, I don't know if I can feel good about myself if I just produce fun escapism that has no significance or purpose.
This film made me want to have a genuine message. It made me want to help fix the system. I have no experience in creating anything of that capacity, but now I want to learn. If I can ever create something as brilliant and important as "I, Daniel Blake", then I will consider myself to be a success.
No comments:
Post a Comment