The documentary follows a man living off the grid in paradise. In the beginning, drone shots establish the setting without distracting music. A voiceover provides context before showing the character, creating mystery. Later scenes show his difficult daily life to build audience respect. He explains his unique routine, engaging viewers who couldn't imagine it. Near the end, his mood lifts as he discusses happy neighbors, mirrored by upbeat music in a pivotal tone change. Camera angles focus on his tasks, not face, shaping the view that his lifestyle is positive and worthy of respect despite challenges.
2. Beginning of the film
- The film starts of with an electronic simple sound and an
establishing shot, this was done so the audience are not
taken away by the soundtrack but fully engaged with the
drone establishing shots which are very effective
- We then have the voice over start very shortly after
which happens before we see the character, this leaves
the audience with a sense of mystery but the voice over
also sets context for the rest of the film
3. Middle of the film
- Towards the middle of the film we see more shots of his
house and how he sustains a life in the middle of
nowhere, this is the pivotal part for the doc as it
answers any of the audience's questions and also helps
them get to know the character more and build a respect
for him as they see how hard his life is out there
- He also exaplains his day to day life out there which is
very different to the audience’s, therefore, this engages
them as they cannot see themselves participating in this
lifestyle
4. End of the film
- The film then has a change of mood around ¾ of the way
through. The narrator then starts to talk about his
neighbours and how much he loves it... As this happens
the music also changes, this is a key changing point in
the film as it goes from hard labour and explanation to a
more happy and feel good effect, almost as though the
whole film has been built up to this moment. The
soundtrack helps the audience establish this feeling as
it is more upbeat and happy
5. How do the camera angles shape our view of the
character(s)?
We never really see a full on shot of the main character in this
documentary, however, when we do see him the shots or always half of
his face or just showing his hands, I believe this is done so the
audience focus on the film and what he does rather than him, so the
audience can not build judgements against him and only a positive
and respectful view. The other shots are often wide establishing
shots which show his house or the area he lives, this is done to
give context but also shapes our view on his life in the middle of
nowhere and makes us realise how much that we take for granted
whilst at the same time understand that it his doing