Being There from Matthew Murdoch on Vimeo. 2006.
This 4 minute video was created by Matthew Murdoch, who specialises in directing 'character driven drama, realised with a delicate, human touch.' It is called ‘Being there.’ (2006) It is a short video set at Hadrian's Wall, on a cold rainy day. The video shows Matthews father holding up the clapper board, the moves away. The camera is very slowly zooming out to reveal the full scene, showing the wall and the surrounding areas. This goes on until the end of the video, and the focus doesn't change.
The audio of this video, is a phone conversation between Matthew and is Father about the plans they have made to watch a rugby match in Edinburgh He asks him to help him in making this video, and stopping at Hadrian's Wall on the way. At the beginning of the video a slide of text comes up reading....
By the phone call, we hear that Matthews father has a Scottish accent, which makes us think about the divide between England and Scotland was a theme for the video.
I find this video touching and a clever and interesting concept. The conversation with his dad is the main feature, and over rides the visual. I found myself not taking much notice of what is happening on the screen. I also think that the title 'Being There' could reflect the idea that his father is happy to help him with this video, even if he doesn't fully understand it. He is happy to drive him to the location and help his sin out. The phone call is sincere and shows their relationship together. I found myself really listening in to how they spoke to each other, and how they interact. With the visual being very uninteresting, you are still engaged with what is happening, enjoy hearing the story.