What Would You Say?

marlenedegrood

marlenedegrood

Flicks By Chics
A good friend loans me the first two hours of edited footage from a film shot by her nephew. She says that he's a "professional" filmmaker and I could really learn something by watching this DVD. This is just the first 2 hours of an 8 hour documentary of his and his girlfriends trip to Russia. My first clue should have been "8 hours"?????

I tormented myself through 25 minutes.......it was truely horrible in the worst way. I've seen lots of amateur home movies that were far better than this. First of all it was really, really boring. Then there was the quality......underexposed, shakey hand held footage, really bad composition etc. etc.

Ok.....so now when I return the DVD my friend will say something like "so how'd you like it.......great stuff huh......I bet you learned a lot". All I can think of is yeah....I learned a lot alright. Don't you hate it when someone knows that you're into film and they want to show you there great footage and then want your opinion.......what do you say? I usually just say it was nice and avoid the bad stuff and just comment on the good stuff.......but in this case.......there really was no good stuff. I really hate being in this position, but I'm not going to have my friend thinking I'm an ass if I don't lie about her nephews film. What would you do?
 
I would try to break it gently, but it's a tightrope to walk. I personally don't like saying bad things, but if it's that bad, a few pointers probably wouldn't hurt anyones feelings.
 
"Yes, I learned a lot - as in everything NOT to do when filming" :-)

Unfortunately - you're right - not many people want "honesty". Also, unfortunately for me, I usually have a harder time lying than being honest, so ... wait - I got it - "Sorry, the DVD wouldn't play on my player"! ;-)
 
mrpunch said:
"Yes, I learned a lot - as in everything NOT to do when filming" :-)

Unfortunately - you're right - not many people want "honesty". Also, unfortunately for me, I usually have a harder time lying than being honest, so ... wait - I got it - "Sorry, the DVD wouldn't play on my player"! ;-)
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ya but then the person will make her watch the film again...

i like to be honest in giving assessments of friend's films. thats what they come to me for. they know i'll be honest and give constructive criticism. i'd personally be honest to your friend but don't go overboard with the critiques...

my 2 cents...
 
...if one can't speak freely to his good friend,- what is the value of friendship? I noticed so many people don't like saying bad -but well deserved!- things, and that "kindness"only encourages weak minds to stay weak being under impression that their work really good. I do believe in criticism. It should be criticism a creative type of criticism; when asked about my opinion or when I feel like I have to share one, I do say things straightly and boldly, but I always go few more steps trying to explain reasons of my points of view, and -since I can be wrong as well- the discussion ( if happens) is beneficial for me as well.
 
I don't know about giving input--her nephew will never hear it. She's proud of her kin--let her walk away feeling un-deflated. Her nephew will eventually hear it for himself if it's that bad (he probably already has).

How about, "Wow, Betty, how'd he get all that footage down into 8 hours?"

"Thanks Betty! *for the motion sickness* That made me want to see Red Square for myself *since it can't look that washed out in real life*. I look forward to seeing what comes of his career."

Seriously, though, it's not worth straining your friendship--without actually lying.
 
maybe comment on the content, rather than the lacking technical abilities, and boringnessss... "I would really like to visit that place someday" "it was neat".... you get the idea
 
"I know the 'shaky camera' technique is really popular in reality tv and all, but I prefer shots that are a bit more steady. Different tastes, I guess."

No doubt the last two hours are the next "Citizen Kane," or its travelogue equivalent. Is there one?
 
"You call yourself a friend but you try to get me to sit through THAT CRAP! I'd rather stick a ball point pen in my eye than sit through another minute of that $hit."

I kid.

Actually, I would do exactly what most of the others are suggesting. I would tread lightly on your friends feelings. I understand that you should be able to be very honest and direct when talking to your friends. However this is the real world. And in the real world, it doesn't always work that way. You are dealing with your strong opinions of the doc, vs. her proud feelings of her nephew. Its a lose-lose situation. Get in, make brief and polite comments, then get out.

Rick
PS I would also definitely turn it around on her though. Make sure you ask if she has seen it as well. If its as boring as you say it is, unless she wears two eye patches, she might fess up to a similar viewing experience.
 
well the kid will find out hes not a "professional" filmmmker when noone will pick up his Doc. If he is enjoying himself, thats fine. But eventually he will learn that hes no good. and you, Marlene will not have to say anyhtign. just nod you head and say i watched it, and say it was "unorthadox". this way it s not amitting good or bad, but different.
 
I spend three months cutting my Russia documentary and give it to my aunt to show you, and you come onto the internet asking what to say?! Bet you didn't know that I actually read this forum! Give my DVD back to my aunt NOW.






...just kidding...
 
John_Hudson said:
...And then I would ***** slap them.
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virtualbitchslap5yt.gif
 
Hey......thanks a lot everyone for the input. Some really good advise here and I appreciate it. Still going to procrastinate on returning the DVD. Another lesson learned.
 
Owen said:
I spend three months cutting my Russia documentary and give it to my aunt to show you, and you come onto the internet asking what to say?! Bet you didn't know that I actually read this forum! Give my DVD back to my aunt NOW.






...just kidding...
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Ya know.....it did cross my mind that the "filmmaker" could read what I wrote here and your comment made me nervous for a moment. But.......after I posted my question and got a little worried it could get back to him......I calmed down when I realized that he couldn't possibly belong to this forum based on what I saw in the footage.

Thanks again all!
 
I like to call little white lies friendship builders.

And as for him not possibly belonging to this forum, well, you haven't seen any of my footage then. :)
 
david jerome said:
I like to call little white lies friendship builders.

And as for him not possibly belonging to this forum, well, you haven't seen any of my footage then. :)
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LOL :)

"little white lies....friendship builders".......I like that!
 
This reminds me of all those people on American Idol who have been told their whole lives that they are goods singers by people who are "just being nice" and then they get hit with reality. If some one one have given them some constructive critisism in the first place maybee they would have been better and made it farther.

Not that I watch that show or anything. :)
 
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