Happy As One [Vanessa Jopp, 2006]

Interlinked stories; loneliness in an alienating metropolis; a film
developed through improvisation: all elements central to some
wonderful films, but more often used as props for more pedestrian
efforts. Happily, `Happy As One' is an example of where these
elements are used by a skilled director to produce a first-rate film.

What really impresses is the unforced naturalness of the film, both
in style and character development. Shot on DV, the camera
unobtrusively observes the action, occasionally moving into well
judged close-ups at key moments. The characters, brought to life by
a marvellous ensemble cast, feel genuine; their stories told with a
keen eye for humour and drama.

I have not heard of the director Vanessa Jopp before, but on the
evidence of `Happy As One' I shall definitely looking out for any
other films she's made.

[IMDB link: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0452633/ ]

In Search of Mozart [Phil Grabsky, 2006]

It's a shame that a documentary such as this was screened with such
poor audio quality. And on top of that, the picture tended to
flicker intermittently. Yet, despite these handicaps, the
documentary still managed to interest, educate, move, and inspire.

Of course it had the enormous advantage of the sublime music of its
subject – just so much brilliance. Even the excerpt played from a
piece Mozart composed at the age of 5 years contained a lovely
little harmonic deviation which even a mature composer would have
been pleased with. The film showed how Mozart's musical ability was
almost beyond comprehension – a body of work that can only be
understood as the outpouring of a true genius.

The film also, however, took time to explain why the music was so
special. We saw how Mozart challenged musical orthodoxy with fresh
and sometimes audaciously brilliant ideas. And we saw the sheer
hard work that went into his compositions.

Equally as important, the documentary placed his output in
historical context. It was fascinating to see how almost every
piece was produced to order, its basic structure and purpose
dictated by the commissioning patron. Mozart had the depth of
technique to be able to turn his hand to any format and style, and
the genius to imbue his compositions with musical ideas that were
both beautiful and profound.


[IMDB link: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0498355/ ]