'Pockets' by James Lees - Analysis

‘Pockets’ is a short documentary created by James Lees, in which humans of all nationalities and ages present the items that are closest to their hearts and that also represent them in a way or another.

   One of the main themes is beauty in simplicity, since all the items shown and spoken about into the documentary can’t be seen as extravagant in our life, but as beauty bringers in the protagonists’ hearts. Another theme is the circle of life, along with the everyday life topic, some of the people telling a short story in which they explain why the certain object means so much for them or portrays them.

   The director preferred the visual approach more, using mise-en-scene shots to capture the viewer’s attention on the subject properly, vivid colors, fine cuts, straight and high angles, but he opted for an instrumental soundtrack to give enhance the emotions, as tranquility or joy, emitting from the visual. Therefore, he created an observational documentary, wanting to perceive and create meaning through simple things in people’s life in a discreet manner. 

   Nevertheless, I think that it would’ve been more comprehensive if there had been a storytelling about the subject matter, as well. However, I really do liked the short film, because of its simplicity and depth and also because of its visuals and choice in music. 

Link to the short film: https://vimeo.com/21776727


  The director Ron Fricke (2011) in 'Samsara' documentary, approached visually and audibly as well, creating a nostalgic and harmonious connection between the image and sound, by using Indonesian traditional music and dance, along with the beauty of some places and their cultural meanings. The word 'Samsara' in Buddhism is defined as the circle of life, which is the main theme of the non-narrative documentary. 



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Samsara:Intro and Myanmar, Holden Boyles, 4 January 2015, <fragment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=227&v=MRWZ7-M4gCg>