Robert Ferrin
 | Views and Inspirations
For me my biggest Influences in documentary film making are Michael Moore and Nick Broomfield. Its Michael Moore's comedic style that he brings to documentary and the infusion of this with a serious subject matter. I understand the ease to critique his work but he knows what he is doing and will usually have a well thought out answer. I would say my favorite film of his would be Bowling for Columbine. Its mix of humor and tragedy, the constant development of a narrative that would be suitable of any fictional Hollywood blockbuster with the final battle between Moore and Charlton Heaston and the use of editing throughout the film like his montage of scenes of gun crime and suicides mixed with humorous gun related news clippings all to the tune of The Beetles "Happiness is a warm gun brewing." In a stark contrast Nick Broomfield's gritty approach to film making is also of great interest. The way he presents himself on screen usually carrying a boom mic and wearing headphones shows signs of student films but the obvious professional qualities he poses is still a constant apparent. He seems to be a more truthful director by using techniques such as including the problems he faces whilst filming in the final cut. My favorite film of his is Biggie and Tupac. The films very urban and independent and seems to have no resemblance to a Hollywood blockbuster unlike Bowling for Columbine. |
