I really enjoyed Dana O’Keefe’s documentary Aaron Burr, Part 2. The music, cinematography, and story put a very unique twist to what the general population generally view as a well-known piece of history. By using modern music, O’Keefe was able to disintegrate the gape between 1776 and present day. Although I think the eight minutes I spent watching this was one of the best uses of time I’ve had in along while, the camera work was sloppy. Almost all of the shots were hand held, the rest were on locked tripod shots. The only shots that included movement were shot out of the side door of an ugly mini van, which you can clearly see in the reflection of glass windows. The focus was a little off as well but all in all I would give it an eight out of ten. I though this was an extremely creative piece and I would love to see more historic shorts like this.
Aaron Burr Part 2 was my favorite short so far. It is very stylized and has an abstract sense of time. It's retelling of an alternate history. It was a really interesting take on a piece of American history. I liked how they tied it into modern society to show how history can affect the future so greatly. Some of the still images and b-roll reminded me of a Youtube video. It really felt like I was jumping back and forth between revolutionary America and the modern day world. I thought the handheld movement of the camera added a sense of fiction and untruth to the story. I usually associate historical documentaries with smooth and static shots. Some of the footage did not look totally in focus and exposed properly but I think that was intentional choice by the filmmakers to compliment this surreal story. The dialogue in this film may have been my favorite part. I can tell that each line and phrase were crafted with purpose and motivation. This short explored history in a unique and creative way. It broke many rules and guidelines but effectively created a truly unique narrative.
I found this piece to be extremely interesting. The word interesting fits perfectly because neither great nor terrible could fit because the piece was full of both aspects. The plot and story line was great. The idea of putting a different take on a piece of well known history, and doing it in a way of making the viewer feel as if they were there, yet still in present time was extremely creative. The idea process behind this script must have taken quite a while to get the amount of facts straight with the newly added elements of the present day. The making of this film was the terrible side of it. The exposure never felt right. The focus made me want to pluck my eyes out. And I will never understand the finale with the car driving through the desert. With the help of a more experienced cinematographer, technical director, and skilled lighting agent, this short could be quite incredible.
Aaron Burr was definitely good. I enjoyed the concept and the narration as well as most of the camera work. I loved the mix of old and new such as when Burr is walking down the streets of New York, his duel with Hamilton in the parking lot which was once the spot of the actual duel and the use of text messages to symbolize the letters Burr and Hamilton sent each other. I though this was all a great way to give a history lesson on a subject few people are unaware of. I especially loved the end when the caption said that "though Burr never showed regret for killing Hamilton he was said to have visited his grave" and it shows Burr urinating on Hamilton's grave a modern day symbol of there distaste for each other. While overall I did enjoy the film there is one scene that slightly bugged me. The scene of General Montgomery's death was kind of annoying to watch because the strobe light effect made everything look confusing and chaotic, however since the seen is taking place during a battle I have to assume that is the feeling the director was hoping to convey.
Aaron Burr, Part 2 made me have mixed reviews of what I thought of it. I really enjoyed the narration of the entire short. It was all very meaningful dialogue and told the story very well. I did like the mix of old and new with the texts messages instead of writing letters. The shots of Burr walking down the New York streets was another great way of showing old to current times, although you could see the car they were filming in, in the reflection of the windows. One aspect I did not like was the camera work. There was a lot of shaky moments throughout and also some areas that were very dark and hard to see. I also did not like the scene near the beginning where it was flashing between a black screen and Burr in the woods with the general. It was difficult to tell what was happening and made that scene very unappealing to me to watch. While this short was entertaining to watch, I think it could have been made better with the use of better camera work and lighting.
As a fan of American history, especially when it is presented through often unheard and under represented sides, I must say I was a major fan of "Aaron Burr, Part 2." I found the mixing of classic American historical events with modern day sights and sounds to be really neat. The dramatic voiceovers and flashing, bright images were also extremely cool artistic choices. From the story that was told, to how the director chose to tell it, everything came together in a really cool way, that presented a unique style and revision of American history. I wish this were a series that could be shown in classrooms, and maybe people might appreciate history a little more. Kudos to Dana O'Keefe!
A very different take on a documentary, almost a theatrical documentary. Rather than have some old guy telling us about how Burr had been accused of being a sick killer, we have Burr himself telling us what he did. In a weird blend of the modern day world and old world, we listen to Burr's tale. Using the historical sight of the duel was really cool. It also had a slight political message behind it. Peeing on Hamilton's grave must have been a shot they had to get through quickly before anyone noticed. For being shot outside, I liked how much light they actually got in the woods under the cover of trees. The colors at night on the street's of New York gave the images a good feel. A lot of shot variety and location variety kept my interest. The musical score was also well done. I feel like for the amount of money they probably had, they made a very decent film.
Aaron Burr, Part 2 was just okay for me. I thought there was a great deal of things wrong with the way it was filmed that bothered me though. The focus throughout each shot was very poor which I found distracting. I also noticed the color would vary from one shot to another but all together was very bland. Also, the lighting was terrible in most of the shots which made this issue even worse. The scene were he is walking down the sidewalk and near the huge New York windows was really terrible because you could clearly see the car they used to film these scenes. I don't understand how they didn't notice that or thought it was okay to use those scenes and why didn't they didn't choose a different angle or something. I did, however, like the narrating throughout the short and a few other aspects. The use of reenactments and historical photos were useful to keep the views attention and better explain what is being said. Also, I liked the reenactment of them exchanging words is shown as text over IPhones to mix up the content a little bit but this part also bothered me some, too. This part was so clear, edited, and modern compared to other shots which is sort of confusing when it is set up as a reenactment. Also, I didn't think there was very smooth indications of the time taking place which is a little confusing. And lastly, I don't understand the one scene where the car is driving through the desert. It was completely random and didn't have any place in this short. I understand that there was supposed to be comedy too but we only see one part of that at the very end. I just thought, overall, this short was very confusing and poor visually. I didn't really care for it.
"Aaron Burr, Part 2" is an excellent short film that I have already suggested to others outside of class to watch. I love the various shots and bright imagery displayed. I like the Narration, I don't know what filter was on the microphone or effect he did, but I feel like it added so much more to the film. The modernization of history really got me going as I am not the biggest history buff. I really appreciate how the beginning of the film hast his sense of stern and seriousness but that it says in the description it is a comedy. The ending was classic, with him at the cemetery. Dana O'Keefe keep them coming!
Aaron Burr, Part 2 was excellently done. I love the way that period elements and modern elements were mixed together, and somehow they mesh together organically. The writing in some places makes you feel like Burr might actually be the crazy person that he has been made out to be by history. Shots edited in of the modern day washington post, the scene where they are texting each other, and the long walking shot are all very well done. I love the Dr. Dre "Next Episode" music motif. I've always loved the opening of that song, and I think the use of it here was put to good use. Overall a very engaging piece and the shot where Burr is "peeing" on Hamilton's grave at the end ties it all together and leaves you with an impressive shot to remember the piece by.
Dana O'Keefe did a great job capturing the other side of someone's else side of the story. The background music flowed well with this short. I never realized how hard it was to choose a soundtrack until the final project was assigned. The shots were very interesting. In fact, it kept my interest because American history isn't that interesting to me. The modernism of this film was funny. For example, when he pissed on his grave. What caught my attention was how simple the shots were. I feel like I could do this. Something that's shot simple can turn out to be shown in an amazing way. Another shot that was done creatively was the woods site. When they were blacking the scene in and out. I loved that scene. The locations chosen for this short was a variety and brought color to the scenes. Overall great work.
I really enjoyed Dana O’Keefe’s documentary Aaron Burr, Part 2. The music, cinematography, and story put a very unique twist to what the general population generally view as a well-known piece of history. By using modern music, O’Keefe was able to disintegrate the gape between 1776 and present day. Although I think the eight minutes I spent watching this was one of the best uses of time I’ve had in along while, the camera work was sloppy. Almost all of the shots were hand held, the rest were on locked tripod shots. The only shots that included movement were shot out of the side door of an ugly mini van, which you can clearly see in the reflection of glass windows. The focus was a little off as well but all in all I would give it an eight out of ten. I though this was an extremely creative piece and I would love to see more historic shorts like this.
ReplyDeleteAaron Burr Part 2 was my favorite short so far. It is very stylized and has an abstract sense of time. It's retelling of an alternate history. It was a really interesting take on a piece of American history. I liked how they tied it into modern society to show how history can affect the future so greatly. Some of the still images and b-roll reminded me of a Youtube video. It really felt like I was jumping back and forth between revolutionary America and the modern day world. I thought the handheld movement of the camera added a sense of fiction and untruth to the story. I usually associate historical documentaries with smooth and static shots. Some of the footage did not look totally in focus and exposed properly but I think that was intentional choice by the filmmakers to compliment this surreal story. The dialogue in this film may have been my favorite part. I can tell that each line and phrase were crafted with purpose and motivation. This short explored history in a unique and creative way. It broke many rules and guidelines but effectively created a truly unique narrative.
ReplyDeleteI found this piece to be extremely interesting. The word interesting fits perfectly because neither great nor terrible could fit because the piece was full of both aspects. The plot and story line was great. The idea of putting a different take on a piece of well known history, and doing it in a way of making the viewer feel as if they were there, yet still in present time was extremely creative. The idea process behind this script must have taken quite a while to get the amount of facts straight with the newly added elements of the present day. The making of this film was the terrible side of it. The exposure never felt right. The focus made me want to pluck my eyes out. And I will never understand the finale with the car driving through the desert. With the help of a more experienced cinematographer, technical director, and skilled lighting agent, this short could be quite incredible.
ReplyDeleteAaron Burr was definitely good. I enjoyed the concept and the narration as well as most of the camera work. I loved the mix of old and new such as when Burr is walking down the streets of New York, his duel with Hamilton in the parking lot which was once the spot of the actual duel and the use of text messages to symbolize the letters Burr and Hamilton sent each other. I though this was all a great way to give a history lesson on a subject few people are unaware of. I especially loved the end when the caption said that "though Burr never showed regret for killing Hamilton he was said to have visited his grave" and it shows Burr urinating on Hamilton's grave a modern day symbol of there distaste for each other. While overall I did enjoy the film there is one scene that slightly bugged me. The scene of General Montgomery's death was kind of annoying to watch because the strobe light effect made everything look confusing and chaotic, however since the seen is taking place during a battle I have to assume that is the feeling the director was hoping to convey.
ReplyDeleteAaron Burr, Part 2 made me have mixed reviews of what I thought of it. I really enjoyed the narration of the entire short. It was all very meaningful dialogue and told the story very well. I did like the mix of old and new with the texts messages instead of writing letters. The shots of Burr walking down the New York streets was another great way of showing old to current times, although you could see the car they were filming in, in the reflection of the windows. One aspect I did not like was the camera work. There was a lot of shaky moments throughout and also some areas that were very dark and hard to see. I also did not like the scene near the beginning where it was flashing between a black screen and Burr in the woods with the general. It was difficult to tell what was happening and made that scene very unappealing to me to watch. While this short was entertaining to watch, I think it could have been made better with the use of better camera work and lighting.
ReplyDeleteAs a fan of American history, especially when it is presented through often unheard and under represented sides, I must say I was a major fan of "Aaron Burr, Part 2." I found the mixing of classic American historical events with modern day sights and sounds to be really neat. The dramatic voiceovers and flashing, bright images were also extremely cool artistic choices. From the story that was told, to how the director chose to tell it, everything came together in a really cool way, that presented a unique style and revision of American history. I wish this were a series that could be shown in classrooms, and maybe people might appreciate history a little more. Kudos to Dana O'Keefe!
ReplyDeleteA very different take on a documentary, almost a theatrical documentary. Rather than have some old guy telling us about how Burr had been accused of being a sick killer, we have Burr himself telling us what he did. In a weird blend of the modern day world and old world, we listen to Burr's tale. Using the historical sight of the duel was really cool. It also had a slight political message behind it. Peeing on Hamilton's grave must have been a shot they had to get through quickly before anyone noticed. For being shot outside, I liked how much light they actually got in the woods under the cover of trees. The colors at night on the street's of New York gave the images a good feel. A lot of shot variety and location variety kept my interest. The musical score was also well done. I feel like for the amount of money they probably had, they made a very decent film.
ReplyDeleteAaron Burr, Part 2 was just okay for me. I thought there was a great deal of things wrong with the way it was filmed that bothered me though. The focus throughout each shot was very poor which I found distracting. I also noticed the color would vary from one shot to another but all together was very bland. Also, the lighting was terrible in most of the shots which made this issue even worse. The scene were he is walking down the sidewalk and near the huge New York windows was really terrible because you could clearly see the car they used to film these scenes. I don't understand how they didn't notice that or thought it was okay to use those scenes and why didn't they didn't choose a different angle or something. I did, however, like the narrating throughout the short and a few other aspects. The use of reenactments and historical photos were useful to keep the views attention and better explain what is being said. Also, I liked the reenactment of them exchanging words is shown as text over IPhones to mix up the content a little bit but this part also bothered me some, too. This part was so clear, edited, and modern compared to other shots which is sort of confusing when it is set up as a reenactment. Also, I didn't think there was very smooth indications of the time taking place which is a little confusing. And lastly, I don't understand the one scene where the car is driving through the desert. It was completely random and didn't have any place in this short. I understand that there was supposed to be comedy too but we only see one part of that at the very end. I just thought, overall, this short was very confusing and poor visually. I didn't really care for it.
ReplyDelete"Aaron Burr, Part 2" is an excellent short film that I have already suggested to others outside of class to watch. I love the various shots and bright imagery displayed. I like the Narration, I don't know what filter was on the microphone or effect he did, but I feel like it added so much more to the film. The modernization of history really got me going as I am not the biggest history buff. I really appreciate how the beginning of the film hast his sense of stern and seriousness but that it says in the description it is a comedy. The ending was classic, with him at the cemetery. Dana O'Keefe keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteAaron Burr, Part 2 was excellently done. I love the way that period elements and modern elements were mixed together, and somehow they mesh together organically. The writing in some places makes you feel like Burr might actually be the crazy person that he has been made out to be by history. Shots edited in of the modern day washington post, the scene where they are texting each other, and the long walking shot are all very well done. I love the Dr. Dre "Next Episode" music motif. I've always loved the opening of that song, and I think the use of it here was put to good use. Overall a very engaging piece and the shot where Burr is "peeing" on Hamilton's grave at the end ties it all together and leaves you with an impressive shot to remember the piece by.
ReplyDeleteDana O'Keefe did a great job capturing the other side of someone's else side of the story. The background music flowed well with this short. I never realized how hard it was to choose a soundtrack until the final project was assigned. The shots were very interesting. In fact, it kept my interest because American history isn't that interesting to me. The modernism of this film was funny. For example, when he pissed on his grave. What caught my attention was how simple the shots were. I feel like I could do this. Something that's shot simple can turn out to be shown in an amazing way. Another shot that was done creatively was the woods site. When they were blacking the scene in and out. I loved that scene. The locations chosen for this short was a variety and brought color to the scenes. Overall great work.
ReplyDelete