Documentary Movie Critique: Alien Earths
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| F2 |
This documentary revolves around the critique of society, wishing to
emphasize the rarity of planets with the ideal conditions available on
Earth. Visiting the few potential candidate planets not only show the
diversity of our universe, but the amazing coincidences necessary for
life. The documentary not only wishes to explain these slim chances of
habitable planets, but also urge viewers to appreciate the planet.
Interview locations remain constant,
yet the descriptive b-roll present in most explanatory scenes are
introduced at times of relevance in the interview. When a topic is
acknowledged, the director uses the b-roll as almost a second narration,
yet ends the animation or b-roll when the topic changes. F2
Certain instances of b-roll are
seamlessly reintegrated at various moments of the documentary, providing
emphasis on these components. This seamless introduction is achieved by
employing varying examples of potential planets, then listing their
flaws. By using such blunt introductions, the director is able to
examine two subjects at once: the countless conditions required for
life, as well as the perfection of Earth to maintain life.
Obviously, voice-over commentary is necessary for the b-roll to discuss both topics listed above.
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| F1 |
The commentary often originates from interviewees, however a recurring
voice-over intertwines the information to explain the interview’s
relevance in discussing the topics.
Little symbolism is employed in this
documentary, as blunt facts offer more relevance towards an imposing
perspective of the topic. The director wishes it understood that the
Earth is unique, and that there is little hope of finding such a planet
are unlikely. In this analysis, little room is left for metaphors.
There is no disagreement between the
different interviewees, as they all wish to contribute further evidence.
Lack of dispute originates from the documentary’s topic, and accepted
truth, and relies greatly on indisputable fact.
Many international scientists and
astronomers are interviewed for this documentary, yet there is little
private information exposed. Again, most of this documentary is focused
on accepted fact, which is difficult to withhold from the public.
However, the documentary attempts to ‘remind’ its viewers of the
scarceness of planets potentially ideal for life. The director hopes
that the viewers will take advantage of the luck of being on a planet
that supports life, and stop taking advantage of the planet itself.
Animations are used in this
documentary to help transition from the interview to the b-roll. An
example of this are scaled ‘versions’ of habitable planets in the palm
of the interviewee that will steadily grow until the b-roll commences.
This definitely helps the audience understand the concepts through
imagery. F1
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| F3a |
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| F3b |
Voice-overs are used, yet only to link information from interviews, not
to present information. This way facts are expressed from a reputable
source.
There is little ‘staging’ needed for
the interviews, most are conducted in a constant location, allowing the
director to control the background. B-roll was not staged and often
superimposed on the footage of the interviews. F3a-F3b
Artistic representation are often
used in this documentary to illustrate scenes, as this is the sole
method available. Most of the content has never been seen, and can only
be visualized through representation. Nonetheless, all aspects of these
artistic works are discussed and evaluated during the relevant
interviews, validating the image. This builds interest in a topic that
could not be pictured without representation by means of film.
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| F4 |
Sound
in this documentary is often used to build a ‘climax’ until an
important piece of information is revealed. Little music is required by
the b-roll, happening in space, but the added sound helps focus viewer's
attention on important details, which would be glazed over without
sound manipulation.
The filmmaker often uses 360 degree
shots during b-roll, to analyze this often digital composition of the
topic. More information is to be shown in this instance. On the other
hand, the interviews are filmed from wide angle to short angle shots,
providing less visual detail, but more auditory information.
This documentary film was very
effective in the delivery of information and the production tools used.
The director was able to integrate the interview and b-roll well to
provide auditory and visual descriptions as required. This way, viewers
were able to visualize certain objects, or concepts, that could not be
imagined otherwise. F4
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