Behind the Blur (2009)
An insightful documentary about Thai cinema, which features a colourful and long running film history, yet struggles as the industry attempts to move forward. This film examines the past and focuses on the Thai New Wave since 1997 by combining film clips, and interviews from Thai directors and others artists, like Asian hip-hop sensation Thaitanium, who are trying to create a more personal style of art.
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Reviews
So much average
Good concept, poorly executed.
A Masterpiece!
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
The importance of cinema is a two way process. On the one hand, it has to be realized by the creative people who make films. On the other hand, the local audience has to make serious efforts not only to appreciate films but also be a part of a process to treat cinema as an art form which would be should with respect all over the world. It is evident that by keeping these concepts in mind that Erich Fleshman started to film this documentary about the importance of Thai cinema for the people who make films as well as for the audiences who are the ultimate consumers of the films. Among early interviews featured in this film, one can watch renowned cinematographer Christopher Doyle who speaks about the concept of "Thai Film". The film maintains its honesty by representing diverse opinions about Thai cinema. For example-interviews have been filmed with people from all section of Thai society namely famous Thai directors who have got international recognition (Pen-Ek Ratanaruang and Apichatpong Weerasethakul) ,Thai directors who are more famous within Thailand (Nonzee Nimibutr, Ekachai Uekrongtham,Thunska Pansittivorakul,Wisit Sasanatieng), film critics (Dome Sukwong and Kong Rithdee) and young students. All of them feel that the time has come for Thai people to do something in order to make Thai government realize the importance of cinema as an art form in their country. This crucial aspect of the film has been filmed by showing Thai directors speaking about tough challenges which lie ahead of them as they are aware of the tough environment in which they are making their films without any kind of governmental recognition or support.This is an ideal film made in a realist fashion for any one who wishes to learn more about Thai cinema.