Two New Classic Docs: Nanook of the North & Man with a Movie Camera
We recently added two classic documentaries to the DBRL collection. These early films are both well known for their unique approaches to documentary film-making.
Nanook of the North is the 1922 work of director Robert Flaherty. Here’s a synopsis from our catalog:
Presents a documentary on the life of an Eskimo family pitting their strength against a vast and inhospitable Arctic. Juxtaposes their struggle for survival against the elements with the warmth of the little family as they go about their daily affairs.
The library has purchased the Criterion version of this film which includes a digitally remastered version of the film, new orchestral score, a stills gallery, and excerpts from the television documentary Flaherty and Film.
Man with a Movie Camera is the 1929 work of director Dziga Vertov. Here’s a synopsis from our catalog:
Dziga Vertov’s Man with a movie camera is considered one of the most innovative and influential films of the silent era. This dawn-to-dusk view of the Soviet Union offers a montage of urban Russian life, showing the people of the city at work and at play, and the machines that endlessly whirl to keep the metropolis alive.
Many different soundtracks have been developed for this film over the years, and the DVD that the library purchased has the Michael Nyman version. If you’re looking for a different version, check out the the soundtrack by the Cinematic Orchestra on CD that we have on order.
I didn’t enjoy the Michael Nyman soundtrack to Man with a Movie Camera very much. It doesn’t sync up with the visuals most of the time. The Cinematic Orchestra version comes off much better in my opinion.