Filmed in one continuous take on Sunday 20th July 2003 in the borough of Enfield in London, this film is a modern take on the paintings of idyllic English life where all is sunny and peaceful. In doing this it is more clever than intelligent but it still makes for an engaging watch. The substance of the film is in the concept and, beyond that, there isn't actually that much depth and insight to it. The simple update of the "village green" type view of England is just about enough to hold it together but you do get the impression that the film is more about giving the camera something to follow and pan onto than it is about telling a story.
If this is a weakness then it is also a strength because the long tracking shot is worth a watch. OK. I will admit that it does hurt itself by being played out in slow motion because you do feel that that is done to stretch the film rather than suit the material but it is still engaging. Technically it is impressive particularly given the challenge of working in the sun and with non-professionals in the "acting" roles. This shows at times as people glance at the camera (in response to direction?) or the one bit near the end where the shadow on the camera boom is all too evident on the ground, but these are acceptable errors given the project.
So not a great film substance wise because it doesn't seem to have much beyond the interesting concept. Technically though it is impressive and, despite a couple of flaws it is probably worth just one viewing on the basis of this.
If this is a weakness then it is also a strength because the long tracking shot is worth a watch. OK. I will admit that it does hurt itself by being played out in slow motion because you do feel that that is done to stretch the film rather than suit the material but it is still engaging. Technically it is impressive particularly given the challenge of working in the sun and with non-professionals in the "acting" roles. This shows at times as people glance at the camera (in response to direction?) or the one bit near the end where the shadow on the camera boom is all too evident on the ground, but these are acceptable errors given the project.
So not a great film substance wise because it doesn't seem to have much beyond the interesting concept. Technically though it is impressive and, despite a couple of flaws it is probably worth just one viewing on the basis of this.
