I can understand how to other viewers, this film may be seen as a breach to ethics within filmmaking, with how Watson gets so close with his vulnerable subjects, however, I feel that Watsons approach is what makes this film such a powerful observation. But while Watson explains he also interacts with the subject instead of just observing. Therefore I agree that their lives were exposed (as they agreed and wanted them to be) but they were not harshly exploited by Paul. francescamancini88. Instead of the man behind the camera, we see him completely bare, exposing himself to the audience. It brought more power to the issues of alcohol and their lasting effects on the psyche. It brings to light the seriousness of alcoholism, and how it may affect more than just those who drink in excess, i.e. Rain In My Heart, was a very touching and eye opening film. Another was "drinking less" but needed a Zimmer frame with which to walk; she's 43. My DF was a chronic alcoholic (who died after eventually committing suicide) and I grew up with my parents while social circle being people in AA and Al-anon so maybe it was less of a shock to me as I've seen most of this first hand. Rain in My Heart was Paul Watson's good deed in this naughty world. In addition, how is one to really define what constitutes as being exploitative? Although it could be argued that this footage is showing Vanda what she is like when she is drunk, I would say that her answers might have been different if she was sober when she was asked them. So I guess Im not satisfied with his attempts to explain himself during the film, but only because I think he didnt need to in the first place. However, I dont think you should abuse the power and trust given by the four patients. But that is not a bad thing. It is true that these patients are probably not fully capable of realising the whole process of the documentary, however they are aware that a camera is always present and they are sometimes asked by Watson if they prefer it to be switched off. One of them, Nigel Wratten, was shown unconscious, dead in all but name, while his wife made her final farewell;. It is also true that sometimes the person who was interviewed didnt feel very comfortable about what he or she was saying and probably wasnt aware at all of what it was being said. It is clear to me throughout, both when talking to his subjects and when talking to the camera itself that he becomes both emotionally involved and also continuously checks that he is keeping to his promises. Check out our rain in my heart selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Paul Watson was capturing the real lives of these alcoholics, he was not interfering with their actions and allowed alcoholics who were told if they drink anymore they could die, to drink. The attempts to deal with these accusations are unsatisfactory as the unethical conduct exhibited in this film were necessary for the desired effect. Things which have been considered problematic in Watsons Rain In My Heart include: informed consent from his subjects, the argument of whether or not the filmmaker should intervene in the filming process, the appropriateness of certain parts of the film, most notably Nigels funeral and his grieving family, and finally, the relationship between Watson and his subjects. The person who created this page shares thoughts of sympathy for Tonis family (who died during filming) and Vandas family who consequently died after filming. This powerful documentary from fly-on-the-wall pioneer Paul Watson follows four alcohol abusers over the course of a year. Maybe it could be argued that editing was used too much in this film as it told you how to feel at certain points. No one feels comfortable at the hospital anyway without a camera crew to be there watching your pain and destruction (essentially). By making such a real and baring all film, he is raising awareness about the reality of alcoholism and hopefully opening the eyes of alcoholics watching it and even doctors watching it, who can see how to help alcoholics in earlier stages. 'Rain In My Heart', was a very touching and eye opening film. From a personal level I felt it was very moving and eye opening to me on this subject. Because the participants in the film are always in a very fragile state because of their problems, it makes the audience question can they actually give valid consent? It serves its purpose of portraying the realities of alcoholism, and at times may seem harsh, but in doing so creates an ugly truth that otherwise wouldnt be seen. Listen to Rain' in My Heart on the English music album Wonderful Soundtrack by Slim Harpo, only on JioSaavn. Rain in my Heart (Full). On the one hand, Paul Watson did get these peoples consent to be filmed. In addition, it appears that Watson is aware of the delicate nature of the documentary and embraces this by stating that all the filming was agreed by the sufferers, in order to shy away accusations that he is exploiting the individuals which he observes. Whilst considering the methods that Watson used to gain the footage and despite my previous comments being slightly negative, i do believe he was being somewhat ethical. There are so many implicit positives such as the awareness it gives people of the truth about alcoholism, its broadcasting the problems in society like a fresh scar, so audiences cant ignore or forget what they have learnt. I found the piece riveting but extremely disturbing. As much as rain can cause happiness, there are times when this phenomenon can cause distress. We follow Nigel and his supportive wife Claire as they spend their final weeks together. Thus exploiting their vulnerability to further push their weakness and end up with footage that will strike the audiences attention and maybe even get better ratings. An example of this is when Paul W asked Vanda whether she was telling the truth about being abused as a child. Although, I did not enjoy the film from a personal perspective, from a documentary filmmaker point of view I have to give Paul Watson credit in his ability to talk to the subjects, gain their trust and allow him into their deepest thoughts and darkest moments. The decision to include this part of Vandas drunk dialogue is one that is certainly questionable, especially since we are not given evidence as to whether or not she did consent to the inclusion once sober. At the same time, I do think Paul Watson exploited his subjects. This allowed the subjects to be themselves around him as Mark said that he didnt hide his bottle of wine from Watson and the camera because this is what the film is all about. Otherwise it would not have been so real and touching and would not have had such an effect on those who watch it. Of the four, two die whilst in hospital and a third dies within five . The fact that it was all staged, distances the audience from the idea of a documentary as most believe that it must be as real as possible. Filmed over the course of a year, Paul Watson's camera follows them from Gillingham . This was a devastating and emotional sequence for me. No need . However I think that this documentary can appear that way simply because it is so intimate and explicit. He does however, tell her that he will ask her when she is sober if she wants to keep that in. Overall, I believe that it is good to make the public known about situations like these, especially when it can have an impact on your image of alcohol. Is it really more important that showing the dangerous of alcoholism by peoples moment who dying even ignore their life? He leads the interviewees go into their deep heart and gradually express their ideas. The film charts the traumas faced by the alcoholics as they bounce between Gillingham Medway Maritime Hospital and their homes, and highlights the emotional impact their struggle has had on those around them. My eyes are dry, my love, since you've been gone, I haven't shed a tear, I'll never cry, my love, though every day seems like a hundred years, For I'm just a fool who clings to his pride but when I'm alone, I can hear the sound of rain in my heart, of the tears that I hide, And it tears me apart, 'cause I keep them inside, I can't get away from Watson most definitely fulfilled what he set out to do and in order to do that, I feel he had to push the boundary as far as he did to achieve this hard-hitting documentary. I feel he mistakes this forced friendliness by asking more and more personal questions as he continues to film her. There are a few scenes that stand out as being the most exploitative. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. And I think shots show the photographer and the really things that Watson suffered rise the trustiness of this documentary. Chapter 1. However, we can all agree that sometimes happiness is simply taking a walk or dancing in the rain. I personally think he dealt with this extremely well. Rain in my heart is a really educational and impressive documentary film for me. 0. A prediction such as this can alter the way she behaves and this documentary is no longer just an observation of her progress. Sign-in or Try it free for 3 months. Also while researching I found a Guardian article discussing the film. He made this film to show people about the effects of alcoholism, and I think he achieved his goal. To argue my point further, there is a particular example from Rain In My Heart that exemplifies this problem. 2022. Nigel, 49, has been dry for ten years, but the damage he has inflicted on his liver is irreversible. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. As for Nigel, it can be said that he was exploited less than others, because his wife was constantly present, therefore she could control the actions of the filmmakers. If the subjects are happy to be filmed then I dont see the problem as long as they have a stable state of mind. Directed by. Read about our approach to external linking. Numerous parts of the documentary further emphasise this intimacy as we the viewers are taken into the houses of these subjects, as if given permission to enter into anothers personal space which itself is also intimate in the context of the style of filmmaking here (observational). Mark may well have been a grey area and I wasn't sure whether he was so unhappy because of the drink or if he was using the drink because he was unhappy. Its hard to give a black or white answer of whether or not Paul Watson exploit the subject. By going that extra further he creates a relationship with the subjects. The problem suddenly doesnt become the alcohol, but their mental state, which is something I learnt from the film. This bereavement card features rain only over a tree with a figuring sitting beneath it. he felt that to put this material in the same documentary as his musings about the problems of getting the film made seemed glib and inappropriate. (http://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2006/nov/05/sheffielddocfestaredocument). I feel that Paul Watson did exploit his subjects to some extent. Documentary which follows four alcohol abusers - Vanda, aged 43; Mark, 29; Nigel, 49 and Toni, 26 - from the impoverished Medway towns of north Kent. And it is also a good example to discuss the ethical issues in the documentary. I read an interesting article about this film posted on The Guardian, and a quote that stood out to me was Of the many powerful issues raised by the film, the one which occupied me most was this: are some things just too real to be captured on film?. I think Paul Watson has exploited his subjects in some point. Explaining hell it is! Watson had to exploit his subjects in order to create such an amazing film. At first, I believe, Watson had every intention in trying to, in the most effective way possible, try and exploit his subjects. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. For one the subjects were extremely vulnerable which raises the question on whether they were in the right state of mind to consent to being filmed and telling their story. Then again, as Watson argues: If some of us dont record it, none of us will know about it.. But I dont appreciate so much. However, as I mentioned previously, Watson neither encourages nor halts the emotional stress of the patients, he simply asks them questions about their mental state and at times even asks the patients if they would prefer the camera to be turned off. This is also something Watson shouldnt go into. For Watson asks: What would you class as an alcoholic? Toni replies: Someone who cant go a day without a drink. Once this is said, Watson slowly zooms in on her face and responds: but you told me there are days where you cant go a day without a drink. Watsons response to Tonis statement could be stated as being overly dramatic for the audiences benefit, therefore, compiling with Ellis and most documentary critics argument that the director is always more concerned with how the potential audience will perceive the subject and story than the subject themselves. White envelopes included. (steering away from the public filming location of the hospital) and can we film them in such a vulnerable and dazed state? This can be seen when Watson is speaking to Toni about her addiction, something that Toni profusely denies she is. But if some of us dont record it, no one else will learn about it. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The subjects are very vulnerable and Watson knew this, therefore ethical issues due to the interference of reality from Watson. It is obvious that this documentary was extremely influential to those who have seen it, I have attached a link below of a Facebook page a viewer has made (who obviously has personal issues and experience with alcoholism). The truth of this film is that it brings attention to parts of life that as a society we tend to stay quiet about and so by being a representation for people who go through something so scary, life changing and threatening it can never appear wholly ethical. Before i didnt know that alcoholism could lead to such a terrifying state and even death. This gives the impression that Paul Watson is only interested in the success of this documentary. To this statement Vanda agrees and understands the relationship between the two of them. Overall, I believe Watson does not exploit his subjects because they knew roughly what they were getting themselves into and because Watson simply observed with the camera the tragic events of the subjects that would gain the empathy of the audience towards the effect of alcoholism. Watson creates this feeling in his editing, which makes his points and connections better but is never pleasant as an aesthetic experience. He explains himself, he is aware of what he is critised for, but overall has achieved an importantly informative film about alcohol and its effects. There were some scenes in which the people he was filming were obviously out of it and not at all in a healthy condition, physically or mentally. The question of the ethics of filmmaking is clearly something that is troubling to Watson. I mean most people wouldntHer reaction to his question is also an example as she seemed to be in pain by his disbelief and lack of trust.she even said why else would she be in the state she is in if not because of the trauma she had been through? 'Fires were started' (1943)may easily come across as simply a fictional film due to the stylistic use of non-diagetic sound and scripted narrative. Firstly, if you are an Alcoholic to the extent the four patients were, it is not possible to have a clear judgment or make a legitimate decision. Rain In My Heart by Edgar Lee Masters There is a quiet in my heart Like on who rests from days of pain. As a viewer, it was uncomfortable to watch Watson try and stay professional. Although the documentary is very intimate, in both its setting and the framing of the subjects as the yellow-y and fatigued skin of the subjects is shown through close ups. This is distressing viewing, so bear that in mind if you plan to watch it but I thought it was also great reminder to keep on doing what i'm doing and staying off the booze. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rain-In-My-Heart-Documentary-In-Memory-Of-My-Dad-Toni-And-Vanda/233416877232. Although, there are several moments when this filmmaker and subject relationship is close to breach, he retains his role of confidentiality and recognizes that the subject may not be too sober to make such ethical decisions of what they would like in the final cut or not. (LogOut/ But theres a film within and around the film, one that Steven Spielberg didnt make but that he or someone else should have made: Spielbergs List, the story of the casting call for the actresses who would be getting undressed and going into the gas chamber that turns out to be a shower. He is good at capturing facial expressions and touching moments, though he constantly replays repeated footage to create a moment. Makes a great gift for people who love cats or play the Secret Cat Forest game. Watson edits and cross-cuts footage to emphasize reccuring themes across the alcoholics. Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now. Due to the nature of the subject, I believe there were always going to be complex ethical issues in terms of filming. Nigel, 49, has been dry for ten years, but the damage he has inflicted on his liver is irreversible. Four alcoholics in and out of hospital over a two month period, reality at its most real. Just finished it and I wonder what happened to Mark and Vanda. http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7140000/newsid_7143600/7143616.stm. I do not believe that Paul Watson was dealing with the accusations successfully, but I also do not believe that he was making this film completely selfishly. As Watson edits his film himself he gets to choose what stays in the final cut, therefore raising other ethical issues as he may have only chosen to show the subjects at their worst and in very emotional states. To illustrate, each of the documentary objects have had their own monsters in their heads, to my mind, they are in a sense weak or have a big weakness- alcohol, therefore Pauls use of characters (Vandas) confession about her monsters or at the same time the reasons why she might be came to drinking helps not only the filmmaker but us in getting closer to this unfamiliar woman and her story. All Watsons subjects agreed to being filmed whilst they were drunk before the filming commenced, and so the question is not should Watson have kept filming?, but rather should Watson have included that part of the footage?. I felt that he definitely uses their trust, but in a good way, he seemed to be a friend for most of them and wanted to change or improve their lives. 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