I am working on a documentary/portrait of my 10-year-old brother with Asberger's Syndrome.
I want to show how he is, how he deals, and who he is because of it.
I want to show how he is, how he deals, and who he is because of it.
So, I shot on Friday at Alex's school, only half knowing what to expect. When we got there, it was a lot more intense than I imagined, and I was really affected by it. Alex sits at a table by himself everyday at lunch, and really doesn't ever "play" with any other kids. He's been bullied enough , and has made the decision for himself that he is better off just sitting alone. From free time in the classroom, to recess, to lunch, he really doesn't interact with anyone, and is okay with that.
7 comments:
he is an engaging subject. i certainly want to hear more from him. watch your sound. his voice was often drowned out by the background. any way to mic him better?
I agree with Jason about the mic thing. However, I was more forgiving of the sound because he is so engaging. And there is something so profound, and strange, about a young kid saying that he likes having autism, and he likes his life--especially since you can see him sitting alone. Also, he seems aware of the camera, more so than other kids, and how your resulting film may portray him. These lead me to believe that he has an awareness of someone much older. That awareness, of himself and of his "unnormalness" to me is most striking and intriguing.
I agree that he seems very mature for a 10-year-old. He's much better-spoken and smart than I would expect someone of his age to be. You can really tell that he's used to being in front of the camera. Watching this clip, I felt like he was sitting there having a conversation with his sister, not sitting there talking to his sister on camera - which I think is good. It will eliminate some problems I think.
Ciara, I would have to agree that I would like to hear more of him too – was a little drowned out but still okay. When he mention about sitting alone – I sort of wanted a wide shot of the lunch room. I'm sure that probably be a problem tho. I think over all he is a great person to document, and it's going to be interesting to document him over long time. I do enjoy the concept of “him talking to his sister” than the camera – but I know both with work well.
I don't know what else to say. But I really like his story – feel a little connection with it. I used to be the outcast growing up; I did manage to hang with a few other outcasts here and there – but was mostly a loner. It didn't help that I had horrible speech back then, but I was pretty much bullied all the way in my k-12 life. So I'm glad his story is being told.
--glad you pulled off the shoot at school (seems good and important). Do you have coverage of the space he's in (lunch space)?
Good stuff. Keep documenting -- always with an eye on the mundane-sublime, or the slimy mundane.
Nice job. I hope you are getting a lot of footage of your brother in different situations. The more you are with him, the more we will get to know who he is. This is a particularly nice clip in that it shows his real-world life and the way he sees, or tries to see, himself. I'm sure your project is going to be great, and I like your involvement in the shooting. Your interaction with him is very kind and telling. Keep up the good work. Perhaps use a tripod when you can.
Just have him wear the same clothes the next time you follow him, if only for a wideshot of the lunchroom to establish his being solitary. Don't need to beat the horse, but audio is so huge. He doesn't seem desirous of destroying a lapel if you were to hang one on him, so I'd recommend that.
I sent my mom to this blog to see my video but she saw yours, as well, and said she was saddened and wants to see the final.
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