Shot on 16mm, this 2011 film seems to have a very high level of film artefact in parts. Looks like development stains, and some exposure issues on some frames giving an flickering. Other parts are 'clean'. There is a graininess throughout. I am assuming some of the footage was managed badly and couldn't be re-shot. A DVD reviewer on Amazon UK made a similar comment.
shareI don't think this was accidental ;)
shareThe artifact you're speaking of is chemicals from Ben Rivers' hand development in the field. I'm pretty sure he developed Tri-X reversal stock as a negative in a Morse tank then sent it to the lab for the positive - not exactly the cleanest way.
shareThe effects relate to both the marmaphone diverse integer development camera and the use of 2 partially-sighted mountain rescue workers in the field cinematography unit.
The Italian Festival audience took to the film instinctively and it was shown subsequently at the Carciofu Stuzzicadenti Festival.
I don't mind the imperfect nature of the shooting quality at all, in fact it's perfect for the subject matter: a man who lives a very natural, messy, organic life. Nothing in his world is clean, pristine, orderly, glossy or smooth, and it's absolutely ideal that neither is the filming of all this. Perfection in imperfection.