[S]comparse (2011) User Reviews

eloquent and moving

[dbb212 · 9/10 · 19 June 2012]

Beautifully shot, lyrical, and eloquent -- without commentary, it presents the viewer with an initially mysterious situation and allows us to explore and get involved. Its observant eye and economy of expression make for an engaging story with surprising depth.

The film explores the relationship between art and commerce, and meditates on the contrasts between reality, remembered reality, and dramatized reality. Like the documentaries of the great Frederick Wiseman, this film doesn't force its perspective upon the viewer or seem to feed us a specific argument or point of view, as is the case with so many documentaries. Thus we are given the chance to feel what it like to be on the island, watching a film crew dramatize the struggle of immigrants, using underpaid extras, some of whom actually experienced what the film is trying to depict.

Incredibly moving and revealing film about the effects of making narrative work.

[lily-590-647650 · 10/10 · 4 June 2012]

Incredibly moving and revealing film. Both documentary and narrative filmmakers should see this film as it beautifully examines the push and pull on set between crew, cast and local villagers. Examines prejudices held between locals and illegal immigrants - many who have come back to the island to plays as extras in the narrative film recreating their experiences. Most European and American people can relate to this issue. There is often conflict between the crew, islanders, and actors. The crew wants the best possible shot. The islanders want their land respected. The extras have to act in recreations of traumatic episodes many of whom actually lived through such harsh conditions. They act their part in the narrative and tell their real tale in the documentary. The documentary director operates the camera and captures stunning images of the island, the film set, and the faces of both extras and local islanders. My heart melted out of love for these characters. This should be shown everywhere.