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Don't Blink - Robert Frank

Don't Blink - Robert Frank (2015)

Nov 19, 2015 1h 22m Documentary

The life and work of Robert Frank—as a photographer and a filmmaker—are so intertwined that they're one in the same, and the vast amount of territory he's covered, from The Americans in 1958 up to the present, is intimately registered in his now-formidable body of artistic gestures. From the early '90s on, Frank has been making his films and videos with the brilliant editor Laura Israel, who has helped him to keep things homemade and preserve the illuminating spark of first contact between camera and people/places. Don't Blink is Israel's like-minded portrait of her friend and collaborator, a lively rummage sale of images and sounds and recollected passages and unfathomable losses and friendships that leaves us a fast and fleeting imprint of the life of the Swiss-born man who reinvented himself the American way, and is still standing on ground of his own making at the age of 90.

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Directed by Laura Israel

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Laura Israel
Producer
  • Melinda Shopsin
  • Laura Israel

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Thematic Analysis

Don't Blink - Robert Frank represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Laura Israel brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Don't Blink - Robert Frank took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2015, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Don't Blink - Robert Frank shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Future of Food, which focuses more on action than character development, Don't Blink - Robert Frank subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Attacking the Devil: Harold Evans and the Last Nazi War Crime and Summer of Love explore similar territory, Don't Blink - Robert Frank stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 19, 2015
  • Runtime: 1h 22m