Cast
View AllCrew
Director
- Ellen Fiske
- Ellinor Hallin
Writer
- Ellinor Hallin
- Ellen Fiske
Producer
- Mario Adamson
Reviews
SWITCH.
Fortunately, aside from being a deeply impressive debut, this documentary exudes compassion for its subjects and finds a few glimmers of hopefulness among the debris. As the credits rolled, I wondered whether Gemma was okay. Itβs hard not to become attached as you watch these βscheme birdsβ leave the nest and slowly find their instinct for freedom and survival on their own terms.
- Jake Watt
Read Jake's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-scheme-birds-a-gritty-scottish-coming-of-age-tale
Aug 4, 2019
Thematic Analysis
Scheme Birds 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 Ellen Fiske 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 2019, 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 Scheme Birds took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Scheme Birds shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Little Secret, which focuses more on action than character development, Scheme Birds subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dancing the Nutcracker: Inside the Royal Ballet and Utopia Ltd. explore similar territory, Scheme Birds stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: April 26, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch
