The Best of Straight 8 2005
It’s ironic that, in an age when film moves forwards in leaps and bounds in terms of technology and innovation, it takes an almost obsolete format to encourage some of the of the most original, inventive and enjoyable filmmakers around. The idea of Straight 8 is deceptively simple: filmmakers get an 8mm cartridge of film sent to them and then have to make a three minute film shooting in sequence and editing only in camera. They then have to send the films back to be processed: no post-production is allowed and each cartridge has a unique serial number to make sure that they can’t cheat and start again. The first time anybody sees the films – including the filmmakers – is at the packed premiere screening.
Straight 8 is the brainchild of Ed Sayers and Ben Gregor and has built a cult following over time. Thanks to events such as the ridiculously enjoyable screenings at Cannes, Straight 8 now enjoys has the participation of hundreds of filmmakers the world over. Some of the best films have even been shown on well received programmes on Channel 4 (albeit at an annoyingly ungodly hour giving rise to the ironic situation of many people probably recording the show on technology more sophisticated than that that was used to make the films!). If you’ve not had the pleasure of seeing any Straight 8 films you can now thankfully buy The Best Of Straight 8 on DVD.
If anything, the collection shows how the limitations of the production process have not only given rise to some incredibly ingenious ideas but also adds to the appreciation of the end product. Déjà Vu, created by Prague based director Sandalz, is a case in point. The same incident – a car falls off a cliff – is replayed over and over again. Which seems straightforward: just loop the same shot, right? Unfortunately, you can’t do that with Straight 8 as you can only film in sequence. It lends this, and many of the other films, an extra dimension of ‘”Just how in the hell did they achieve that?” And, if it really bugs you, there’s a making of Déjà Vu included on the disc that allows you to see how they actually did it (I just hope they got a couple of quid from the scrap merchant).
Other highlights include the sick yet hilarious Stiffy by Alice Lowe and Jacqueline Wright and a sweetly surreal tale by Michael Higgins entitled There Is A Man In The Habit Of Hitting Me On The Head With An Umbrella which, well, does what it says on the tin actually. Also, even though the nature of Straight 8 would seem to lend itself to more comedic or surreal ideas, the inclusion of affecting documentary Chris Durban and James Owen’s Class of 2005 and the wonderful animation Love Bites by Frances Fox shows the depth of ideas, subjects and narrative techniques that Straight 8 has inspired the filmmakers to employ.
My only (very slight) criticism is that – having had the pleasure of attending Straight 8 screenings before – the DVD can’t hope to match the unparalleled atmosphere that the films engender when shown for the first time. The nervousness of the filmmakers as they hope that their films will have turned out OK, the excitement of an audience who know that they’re going to be thoroughly entertained and a group of people who are excited by the possibilities of film lead to an exhilaration absent from almost any other – usually extremely po-faced – film premiere. Having said that, introductions to all the films by Ed and Ben add a personable touch and the inclusion of the film We Love Straight 8 – a mickey take of the TV show –ends everything on a humorous note.
The Best Of Straight 8 2005 is a timely reminder that cinema is not the domain of expensive budgets or high tech equipment. It’s a world of ideas, creativity and excitement. Importantly, the films on this DVD not only provide enjoyment but also inspiration for anyone with an idea for a film.
To buy The Best Of Straight 8 2005, and to find out more information about submitting a film, go to www.straight8.net.