Thomas McMillen

Guest Lecture Response: Kirsten Johnson Today’s guest speaker was Kirsten Johnson and her lecture reminded me why I decided to take Film 160. Her energy and her essence captivated an entire lecture hall. Weaving through the isles, from one side of the classroom to the other, from the front of the class, to the back, Johnson understood how to retain attention. It was in her words, however, that I understood why she wanted to become a filmmaker of documentaries. She desired to understand the room and the individuals inside of it. She asked general and specific questions that forced students to think. She showed her work and went over her thought process revealing how and why she decided to shoot certain shots. The biggest take away I received was her commentary on why people choose to go in front of a camera. Something that has derailed my creative process for years has been my inability to approach someone to record/photograph them. Until recently, I only shot on my iPhone because ...

Question: I ask for trust, cooperation and permission without knowing where the filming experience will lead the subject.         Kirsten Johnson challenges the dimensions of cinematography by removing the traditional rules of continuity in order to present her own tale. There is a duality in the film, presenting those she filmed and herself to be the subject. It reveals the intimacy and existence of the human behind the camera. Unseen, but heard, through voice, content and camera movement. I learned the art of documentary through Cameraperson because it allowed me to not feel like an observer, but rather, feel the connections that are needed to produce films. Reality, not fiction, beyond the curation. While filming a documentary, one must enter the life of another. There must be a level of comfort in order to capture ones reality. This film is comprised of various stories of individuals in a moment of hope, fear, comfort and discomfort. Overall, I felt humanity th...