London

London was a film that can be considered an avant-garde film. This means unusual or over the top. London was produced by Patrick Keiller and funded by the British Film Institute. London was also a mock travelogue that was narrated by Paul Scofield. London used word captions or titles, but often they would relate only briefly to what was being said or being shown in the documentary. There was a voice of God narration, and the images did not always match up to what the narrator was saying. This can be considered abstract, adding to the film's avant-garde classification. There were also a few moments of no narration whatsoever. Two examples of this were when looking at the remains of a building after being bombed, and when the camera was focused on the rippling of a pond with birds chirping in the background. Here was another case of things not matching up, or nonsynchronous sound, there should have been water sounds, not birds chirping. This film was also mainly shot in medium shots, and the camera stayed on the subject for long periods of time. One question that arises while watching this is "Who's story is this?" There are clearly two main characters, but neither is ever shown. Also, although the film should be highlighing the positive things in London, it shows negative things such as buildings being bombed. Also, they don't visit very famous places. There is a clear use of irony in the images and narration. This film can be considered observational and has a level of spontaneity. It is also a very detached film and is shot with a static camera.