BlackFish

Genre: Documentary

Directed: Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Starring: Tilikum, Dave Duffus, Samantha Berge and Dawn Brancheau (archive)

Running: 80mins

Blackfish, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, is a fascinating, terrifying and deeply intriguing insight into the world of "so-called" entertainment, focusing on the ambitious extent that authorities of Seaworld will go through in order to keep it a money spinning attraction. Tilikum is an Orcha Whale raised, like many, in the surroundings of a concrete swimming pool in Florida's renowned tourist attraction Seaworld; a place that fails to advertise the true nature of the Orcha Whale. While friendly, they are considered extremely dangerous, pointing to the obvious nature of the mammal and its survival instinct, oh, an the title "Killer Whale" stands out also. 

The story here is a biased outlook on animal exploitation and begins with footage of Dawn Brancheau; Tilikum's most recent victim and ironically, Seaworld's oldest and much experienced trainer. Her death was tragic but not surprising.

The death of Dawn Brancheau is a clear motive behind Gabriela's Blackfish in which is pieced from the origin of whale hunting, to Seaworld's neighbour "Sealand" while its main focus is on the peculiar and incidentally tragic happenings in both Florida and Spain. Blackfish is not out to please the average Seaworld fan, rather an attempt at opening their eyes. 

The story of the whale is heartfelt and deeply emotional. Blackfish does well in captivating the emotions from former Seaworld instructors, the audience, the attraction and of course, the Whale - in which Tilikum is hailed both hero and villain. 

Blackfish fails to ask "you" the question and rather runs on archive footage, newspaper headlines and tries dividing fact from fiction with Seaworld being widely criticised from the beginning. Blackfish brings a lot of experts to the table, eyewitnesses and solid footage of incidents that are guaranteed to leave you shook. The only specimen it does fail to provide is a perspective from Seaworld representatives and for obvious reasons. So while it falls flat in that area, Gabriela's fascinating insight into the exploitation of Orcha whales is surprising, heartfelt and thoroughly frightening. 

 

The Imposter

The Imposter is a dark and twisted tale that follows the heartbreaking events of a Texas family who describe their path of betrayal in what was supposed to be the homecoming of their 16 year old son.

Narrated by the perpetrator himself, Frédéric Bourdin invites you to follow his devious yet genius plan to disguise his personality. Frederic claims to be 16 year old teenager Nicholas Barclay who despite disappearing 3 years prior, has now turned up in Spain. With very little known of Frederic Bourdin, the french national labels himself a humble guy who was brought up in unfortunate circumstances. He tries convincing the audience to see a positive motive behind was to become a media sensation.

The concept follows an element of two sides consisting of reenactments from Frederic's trail, to actual footage of his time with his new family. On the other hand, the movie focuses on the bereavement and public outcry as members of the family, including the sister of Nicholas, Carey Gibson.  Carey continuously reveals how foolishly tricked she was, as well as numerous relatives being suckered into believing Frederic is 16 year old Nicholas.

Frederic Bourdin's position on the streets had to be convincing, selling the Texas based family a story that might not convince your average Joe, but certainly worked due to an in depth fictional mindset. Frederic sells Carey a 3 year biography of torture and abuse, his pupils being discoloured to prevent him being recognised is just one of many sickening lies from Frederic.

What is originally a straight forward and a surprisingly achievable lie, it is when the story of the boy's return goes viral, inviting people that Frederic and the family did not want. This leads to a nail biting twist and some serious consequences for both Frederic and the Texan family.

Director Bart Layton provided all the ingredients in making a well shot, factual based documentary that unfolds the origin of a qualified fabricator and blending it with a tragic tale of a young boys life. Although the characters involved are highly relevant, one can not help in thinking Bart Layton could have gathered more individuals to explain what is still a mysterious story. Instead, we are left listening to Carey Gibson and the mother who come across annoyingly gullible. In fact they are stupidly fooled into believing they are reunited with Nicholas who, as we can clearly see is not the boy he was 3 years ago. Still, the story is extremely interesting and highly memorable for the narration of Frederic Bourdin who reveals the "in your face" presence that is felt through-out the film as well as the screen your sitting in.

The Imposter is deluding and some what a disgusting portrayal of a con artist that would be forever recognised for misleading an oblivious family awaiting the return of their son, Nicholas Barclay.

Overall; For the lack of documentaries in cinemas, this one, like many, is worth a watch. If you can see past the idiotic family, you will find the Imposter is both enjoyable and very frightening.

7.5/10

Marley Review 2012

The first official documentary featuring members of the Marley family, who reflect on the life of Bob Marley. A prophet to some and a lyrical icon who left the earth leaving a significant mark in musical history.

Marley is a beautifully crafted piece of work based on the late Jamaican star. The film is aimed at his biggest fans as well as those with little knowledge of his life. (ME)

Raised in the slum's of Kingston, Jamaica, Bob Marley lived life an only child with his mother fending for food and water. Bob's life shows an affect for disaster with little knowledge of his father and any appeareance being nothing short of a myth. Just like Bob, friends and numerous characters from the Kingston area are introduced in the film, expressing their upbringing in poverty stricken Jamaica.

We learn of the belief in "Rhasta Fari". A god worshipped by certain Jamaicans. Bob Marley describes him as the equivalent to Jesus. "White people have Jesus, we have Rhasta Fari". A belief which entitles them to smoke a ridiculous amount of weed each day.

The concept of the documentary tells a tale of comedy, happiness and depression as ones life is told through those who grew up with, and loved him most.

His struggle for success is told through friends and numerous members of The Wailers. How reggae was founded through a single chord? how Bob Marley eventually left Jamaica for America to expand his ideas in music. A story of ambition and tragedy, relating to the shooting of Bob Marley and certain members of The Wailers. How Bob Marley was begged to revive Jamaica's government torn gang war, bringing a country together through his music.

Vital members of the Marley family are heard for the first time in this cinematic masterpiece. Son of Bob, Ziggy Marley tells of his remembrance, as were are shown a shocking resemblance to the late singer. Rita Marley, his first and last love tells the story of how she stayed with Bob, despite his sexual antics.

A revealing documentary of the Jamaican superstar, seen through the eyes of  members of the music industry as well as a brilliant cast of Kingston locals who simply never left the scene of Bob Marley's growing up.

Marley reveals a variety of live performances, showing Bob Marley at his best and a typically beautiful soundtrack, which mingles with every scene. Fans and people today know of the ending that awaited Bob Marley. This documentary is a terrific celebration towards a musical genius, who just like many icons, changed parts of the world, politically and musically.

Overall, Marley is terrifically original, telling a story of a man with a history guaranteed to make you laugh and cry. A film for fans of all ages to enjoy.