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Overlooked & Underrated Docs & Features
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Photographic Memory: Looking Back to Heal
Ross McElwee is a formally trained, highly accomplished documentary filmmaker. His personal approach to filmmaking is so unique that, in my opinion, he’s created his own sub-category of documentary film, what could be called the autodoc.
His latest film, “Photographic Memory” , tells the story of McElwee and his son who is now a young adult and not behaving as McElwee expected. Why is his son addicted to the Internet? This disturbing question inspires a deep introspection on the father’s part.
Wisely examining his own life, McElwee crosses the Atlantic Ocean (and decades of his life) to France, specifically to a town called St. Quay-Portrieux, in the province of Brittany. There he finds answers and more questions all of which nurtures his insight and transforms his relationship with his son.
I have a bit of a bias toward people, especially artists, who chose to journey deep inside of themselves for answers. It’s a path with guaranteed pain, a path of struggle for most, and a path of wisdom and compassion. A deeply touching story, McElwee’s “Photographic Memories” encompasses all of these qualities and feelings.