Andrew Lovgren - 'Freeling' - Short Review
My inspiration for my next project was a film called 'Freeling' created by 'Andrew Lovgren'. Its a powerful film and for those who have a passion for skateboarding, I'd definitely recommend the watch. The cinematography was amazing, every shot the lighting was perfect, even for the interviews. He mentioned on a video he recently made that he used barely any equipment, for the lighting to be that great and the types of shots he had to be that smooth I was baffled. The cinematography alone had me hooked and what came from the interviews was something else. The slow-motion of the film was different, i've not seen many films like that, and ones that have usually I get very bored of. Skateboarding is something different, its good to see the technique of skateboarders as everyone skates differently, so to focus on the technique really got me intrigued and was something I loved to watch. I felt the slow-motion went with the title of the film as well as the films concept and for Andrew to follow that really shows who he is as a filmmaker. He is driven by the aims of his film and really know what he wants from the get go.
The interviews helped make the film what it was, I'm usually one for a voice over as sometimes profile shots distract me as a viewer and take me out of the film. By having a voice over the audience are indulged in the visuals and don't take their eye off of them. When the pace of the film changes; for example skateboarding to a profile shot, its still and the action completely goes. I felt it worked for Freeling as it was all in slow motion, the shots looked free and with the music that went with it, the whole film felt effortless and was relaxing to watch. Although I wasn't on the edge of my seat, I never took my eyes off of the screen either because I was so indulged by the beautiful visuals and the passion that was coming from the interviewees.
Im a real fan of Andrews work and I feel it all tells the story he is after, without reading the description. Looking at his work it's definitely what I want to do. Creating a film thats not only a non-fiction but drama too. The only director I can pin point his style too is that of 'Spike Jonze'. Andrew creates a story through visuals and His upcoming idea, which seems to be experimental, 'Symirroretry' proves his style is like no other I have seen. I'd love to see more work like this by different people.
Adam Thornton
