In preparation for Zak's visit, please watch The Interrupters on the PBS/Frontline website. Zak was both a co-producer and the sound recordist for that film as well, and we'll explore in-depth some of the sound recording challenges he encountered during the production.
Feel free to comment thoughtfully about The Interrupters, letting me know what in particular you most liked about it. And as always, please support your assertions with direct references to the material.
Finally, be sure to include in your response at least one question you want to ask Zak about the film, about the sound in the film and/or about its making in general. I'm interested to know what you want to ask.
I hope you enjoy the film, and please remember to post your comments - and question(s) for Zak - here and on Moodle by no later than 9am next Tuesday, November 4th.
I found this film unbelievably interesting. It shows the struggles of Chicago and what it is like in the rough areas of Chicago such as Englewood. What I really enjoyed what the fact it showed real life situations, real people talking about their lives, and real stories of everything. I enjoyed seeing how a group of people can make a change out there. The way that a few subjects got a job and tried hard to change their lives. The documentary did a good job with not showing only how bad the "hood" is but showing the positive aspects of it and the people in it. How anyone can change. It made me more aware of how one person can change the lives of many. I enjoyed this a lot.
ReplyDeleteMy question is during filming did he run into any problems with gangs that put himself in danger?
This doc really hit home. For the first half of my life I grew up in Englewood and I am very familiar with the violence that takes place in these neighborhoods. Being from the neighborhood that this film takes place in I was worried that it would not feel authentic. But all throughout this film it felt real. I didn’t feel like their was any editing done in attempt to sensor the subjects, even when they were saying extreme things. It also didn’t seem like the editing was done to demonize the youth who were apart of the film.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I really liked about this documentary is that very often media outlets focus on the violence in Chicago and not the groups go out and risk their lives to help bring the violence to an end. By choosing to focus on the members of CeaseFire and their interactions in the community we are shown that there is hope that these people can change. We learn about Ameena Matthews the daughter of the notorious founding father of the gang the Black Stones, and how she turned her life around even though she could have easily followed in her fathers footsteps. Then we take a look at Cobe who was a former gang member and has been in and out of jails. We see that he did an entire 360, started working with CeaseFire got a married, and bought a house in the suburbs and had kids.
It’s very inspirational to see them and hear the stories of how they have grown but also see them work to help Flamo and Lil Mikey.
My question for Zak Piper"
This film sets out to focus on the members of the group CeaseFire and their involvement in the community, but I am wondering if at any point during the production or in the editing process of the film, if the crew felt like they were perpetuating the idea that Chicago is one of the most violent cities in the US (even though statistically it is not)?
In documentary film making, it is usually the various characters that drive the story forward. Steve James follows so many thought-provoking characters to weave together the narrative of crime prevention on the streets with The Interrupters that it was difficult to determine which one was my favorite. What I appreciated about what James did in this documentary is he didn’t just show how bad the streets are or how rampant crime is in Chicago, he shows what people are doing to combat it, down in the trenches, one person and one struggle at a time to bring about change in the city.
ReplyDeleteOne of the characters that stood out the most for me was Ameena Matthews and her seemingly nonchalant way of convincing whomever she is speaking to, whether it is a large group or one on one, that her message of non-violence is the route to changing the future. Out of all the interrupters, her story of how she changed her life and is now trying to change the lives of people like Caprysha was inspirational. Although many of the interrupters have a similar story, it was hers that stood out the most, with her motherly nature with all of the kids she encountered, particularly with Caprysha. Ameena’s story seemed even more authentic when James showed how vulnerable she is by just locking her keys in the car. That wasn’t something that he had to show in the film, but it showed how everyday life happens, and despite locking her keys in her car, she keeps on fighting crime in her unique style.
Even though there are so many moving moments in this film, what I felt was the most powerful one was when “Lil Mikey” Davis went back to the barbershop that he robbed to apologize to them after getting out of prison. That was something that he definitely didn’t have to do but because of the work of the Interrupters, he felt compelled to go there and apologize for the harm he had caused, which looks like it will have a lasting impact to not only change his future but the future of those that were affected by that incident. It’s this kind of attention to the work that they are doing that really does show the impact they are making and the difference to the people in the area.
My question for Zak: What was it that interested you and Stephen James in the group Cease Fire to follow their stories? How did you think it would be a different story than what had already been told before?
I’ve heard so much about this documentary. Initially, I was ecstatic that we were assigned to watch it. And, after watching the film, though I am definitely still glad it was a selected post, it was, at least for me, a specifically hard one to watch. A potently powerful doc, the Interrupters gave me new insight into both the violence and the chaos of Chicago, my city. I found the subjects themselves, absolutely inspirational. You always hear about ex-cons who go right back into the trenches themselves. But these guys, they’re doing the unheard of, they’re trying to change things, for the city, it’s community, and especially it’s youth. While having it’s uplifting moments, this doc was, as I should come to expect from this class by now; another crying spell.
ReplyDeleteExtremely depressing, I think the worst of it was seeing so many of the Interrupters efforts going to waste or just fading away into their fruitlessness. For me, the worst, but also best scenes was with the kids. Kids my age and all the ones so much younger, so helpless, being caught up or within the crosshairs of violence and harrowing cycles of disappointment and bereavement. Without doubt, the most powerful scene for me was the heaps upon heaps of stuffed animals that frequented the death site memorials of children.
Something else I found wonderfully intriguing and equally powerful was the films use of sound and music. Sometimes raw and at others setting a killer mood— killer in terms of the actuality of mindless and ceaseless savagery. It hurts knowing that this is not a work of fiction. And that is exactly why I think docs are such a powerful type of cinematography. In a theatre we can watch war and brutality and shameless heartlessness, we can see cities torn apart by hate and depression. We can see communities suffer and fall into fear and force. And after the two hours we get up and we throw away our empty buttery buckets and laugh and critique the fiction we just surveyed. But with docs, we see almost become true witnesses; to the truths of terror and turmoil that this world we live in actually hosts. And that is both troublesome and eyeopening. It’s encouraging that these things, as horrible as they are, are given attention, perhaps then, things may begin changing.
My question for Zac: How did you get aboard this job? Did you know all you were signing up for, and how did this project change you— professionally and privately?
When I watched the documentary, “The Interrupters,” I felt ashamed to think about the pattern of violence in the black community. On the south side of Chicago, in Englewood is where the main characters were interviewed to talk about the hardship of living in the slums. I think that the director, Steve James, wanted to capture the unforgettable depression of ignorant gang members killing one another. Footage of a guy being recorded after a fight was seen with his teeth punched out. Then, one of the victim’s family members tried to defend him by an attempt to stab the enemy. What really makes me think about the selfish behavior throughout the documentary is that Ameena lived a relatable life. She lived with a dangerous and respected gang in the past, but realized her awful mistake. Ameena was not being psychological toward the black youth, but she was attempting to push black people on a positive route to success.
ReplyDeleteOther innocent people were recorded talking about how their children died due to gang violence. A ghetto person responded in a disrespectful manner using profanity to say that he does not care. I think that the disrespectful person in this situation should be tortured in prison, where it is an exception to be legalized. The idiot should be tortured mentally and physically until the father says, “Stop.” Then, the guilty person would serve a death sentence.
I find it stupid that Ameena would say she loves Englewood when it is the place where many people are killed. A depressing part of the documentary was when Derrion Albert was attacked by foolish high school students. Derrion was recorded on a cellphone and shown on the news after his death. When Ameena found out about the scene hoping that his mother does see the footage, it made me feel like the main characters voicing positive knowledge lost hope for the black community. Retaliation only brings retaliation, but the laws either need to be more strict, or we need to risk killing the evil people. Killing with an open mind for the preplanned idea of unity is when the black community can change. By killing the bullies, we have a convenient world full of people that can reach love.
ReplyDeleteIn the scene where Eddie was driving in the car, he claimed that people do not trust the police. He was in a Latin gang and an expert at killing the police. Although at the ending of the documentary Eddie admits that he killed someone and apologized to the victim’s family, I dislike his character. If Eddie’s victim was racist, maybe I would not care if Eddie shot him in the head. I do not see why the victim of Eddie’s killing should be forgiven by his family.
Toya Batey was scared of gangs, but grew her confidence at the end of the documentary. Her son was not expected to get out of jail until 2016 due to an attempt to stab someone. Her three children did not know where she lived after she moved away from the gang violence. I liked the scene when the cameraman recorded Cobe driving from the inside of the car. From the inside, the cameraman recorded two brother getting into an argument. Also, I was interested in the scene where Ameena screamed at the air, saying, “I left my keys in the car!” The scene expresses that even a speaker for the youth can make simple mistakes.
ReplyDeleteSome photographs of Cobe Williams younger years were used during him being in front of the camera. When he was 11-years-old, his father got beat up with baseball bats, resulting in death. Thus, in anger, Cobe roamed the streets, being in jails, fighting, shooting at people, and other negative actions. Other evidence that Cobe used to have a negative behavior was when met up with friends in the neighborhood. Then, he explained the story how his stepfather defended his honor, by killing the guy guilty of beating him up at age 14.
One question that I have for Zak Piper is if he could change anything about his project, would he?
This film was surprisingly emotional for me. After hearing and seeing other artwork and films about the south side of Chicago, I didn’t think this film would affect me the way that it did. I believe one reason I cried throughout the entire film is simply because of the strength that Ameena showed. That woman is radiating with wisdom, understanding and love. It’s no wonder Derrion Albert’s mother felt so comforted by Ameena. Watching and listening to Ameena in this film, you see how hard she tries to make the world a little better. Even little things, like teaching the kids at the skating rink to say please and thank you. She just seemed like a fascinating woman to talk to and be around. I believe she was the thing in this film that grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. The other reason why I cried throughout this film was because of the many moments in this film where I felt hopeless. I felt hopeless seeing friends and mothers crying at funerals. I felt hopeless when news got out that another murder had just taken place while shooting the film. I felt hopeless when Ameena asked the crowd of people who the little boy belonged to and no one answered. And then she went on to say the most important thing of all. She said that when kids like this little man see violence and shooting all around him, what do you think he’s going to grow up and do? This was the moment in the movie that showed the vicious cycle that is gang violence. The retaliations, the verbal abuse, the drugs, the stealing. All of this happens with kids watching. And I believe this film finally gave the kids a voice in the matter. When Eddie is teaching an art class to kids and then stops to talk about something they’d all like to see disappear in their neighborhood, one little girl said the shootings and began to cry (followed shortly by myself). I think this film got very, very deep into this topic and exposed the truth. I absolutely loved this film. One thing I’d like to know from Zak is if he actually was there during filming. And if so, if he felt in danger while filming certain shots or certain people. To me, there would’ve been a few circumstances where I would’ve felt uneasy. I’m sure more questions will pop up in my head during class.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe people of Englewood and I call Chicago home. We co-exist within miles of each other, yet I’ve never seen anything as quite perplexing and sad as the community in which they live. I was touched more by the proximity we share, and how the idea of helping this community almost seems out of reach. I appreciated this documentary for its ability to be raw. It did a good job in showing the subjects for who they were without attaching any stigmas to them for their past. I felt very present with them.
ReplyDeleteI did notice a consistent editing motif through out the film with the b-roll, and I think it subconsciously played a roll into my feelings about the subjects. A lot of the b-roll used to segway between scenes were quick shots of different work being done around town, whether it be a mail man, someone sweeping, or people playing on drums. I think this choice made by the director was powerful because he could have very easily had heavy b-roll of kids walking around, or hanging around being up to no good. Having the more “wholesome” b-roll aided in the idea that Englewood is a community, not just another violent neighborhood. Even though aesthetically this decision was made, I think it was important to shed the light on the good in the community and what is working for them, rather than focusing it solely on the violence that has taken place.
Something I found specifically important with the relevance of sound was when Eddie relived the day he killed. There was a shot of an ice cream truck, and the sound of the truck carried into him taking us through the shooting. I felt an eerie sense, as well as a passage of time for both when the killing occurred and the change in Eddie’s life. It almost seemed unreal that this man we had been following did something like this. The ice cream truck music almost added a sense of innocence and youth, which I think Eddie has adapted more into his life now more than ever.
I enjoyed The Interrupters, my one question for Zak would be:
Was there a clear plan of what you were going in to film going into this? Or did most of the story unravel as you were in the thick of filming?
It's really interesting to see films that focus on issues in Chicago, being that I've lived here my whole life (though mostly in the suburbs). I grew up in Logan Square, but I've lived in Niiles since I was 4 years old. I'm in Chicago almost daily, whether it's for school or a friend's apartment. But my experiences in Chicago, even though I've been here my whole life, are limited. I don't go to the south side and high crime areas of Chicago, so these films are my way of experiencing what's happening in the rest of Chicago. Seeing films about the poverty and homelessness, and then ones about the violence, it makes what you see on the news even more real. It's weird to think these sort of things are happening so nearby. I don't think of Chicago as a super dangerous violent place, but it's absolutely true that there are parts of it that are. This films was both emotional and beautiful. I'm a bit of a hippy and so I'm really into the idea of "peace". Seeing people try to put aside their differences, which is an obviously difficult thing for these people to do, is really uplifting and inspiring for the whole human race. Some of he questions they were faced with, like "what would you do if your friend got beat up at a party and you ran into the people he says did it?, were really difficult questions for even myself to come to terms with. I've never been in a physical fight before, but imagining somebody beating up my best friend, I instinctively want revenge. I can't imagine how hard it is to cope with something like that when you are in such aggressive high tensity situations constantly. So seeing people be able to think peacefully and rationally when faced with such difficulties, it was a touching and inspiring moment for my view of humanity. We can overcome things with peace instead of violence. It's not always the easy choice, but it's a beautiful choice that we can make.
ReplyDeleteI would ask Zak what kind of safety precautions they took when filming? I would be worried about shootings occuring between people that I'm trying to "interrupt". It really is a dangerous situation because anything can happen. Like the one guy you helped that admitted to having a pistol on him. He was drunk and angry and could have easily taken his anger out on you guys.
It’s films like this that really make me thankful for the upbringing and life I’ve had. I don’t believe I’m ignorant to how awful the world can be but I can’t even imagine how living like the Englewood residents feels. The Interrupters pointed out how much daily violence these residents actually see and how they don’t always want or try to be violent.
ReplyDeleteAmeena’s story really touched me. She came from this violent world and she did all the scary things all the other gang members did but she rose above that and became an advocate for nonviolence. The way she talks to the gang members is so honest and raw and it’s just amazing to see her change their minds and change their lives.
Also Toya was someone I found myself really rooting for. I wanted her and her sons to hug after the mediation and I wish she didn’t have to worry about wether or not her son’s were still alive. I almost understood why she wouldn't want to have a funeral if one of them died but I found it really upsetting that a mother would have to think that way.
When the video footage of the fight outside the school was shown, I found myself getting very upset. It made me want to go out and help stop this violence. It’s incredibly cliche but I wish these gang members could just step back and be peaceful towards one another. I know they don’t realize the impact they're having on families, but thats the saddest part. They are killing sons and brothers and nephews and cousins and there’s nothing you can say to these families to make it better.
Finally, I’d just like to tell you that though I’d love a happy documentary, I love that you have us watch these life changing films that make me want to be a better person. It’s docs like The Interrupters that truly change the world.
Question for Zak: Did you find yourself in any sticky situations where you couldn't decide if what you were recording was ethical or not?
The Interrupters is an extra powerful documentary - first of all because it was filmed in the city that we live in, so it hits fairly close to home. It shows a side of Chicago though that many of us are less familiar with. I believe it to be very important to show people what sort of violent things go on in our city, and more importantly what is being done to help put an end to violence.
ReplyDeleteThis documentary does a really great job at displaying this idea through a more atypical route. It's subjects are people who were once a part of the violence who have come to realize it's harm and extreme negative impacts on the community and want to do something about it. The fact that it isn't outsiders coming in to fix the problems happening within the community, but those within, is a very powerful message. This falls into the same realm of why I don't believe in mission trips. If you want real change, on any level, it takes the source of the problem to make that change, not bystanders, which is why I really respect the organization this documentary chooses to focus on. I found each of the three characters to have very strong and effective personal stories, which made it all the more engaging.
My only real problem with the film was that at times I felt that it was a little too news-like, or "made for tv." I would have liked some of it, maybe more of the talking head moments to be a little more cinematic, but ultimately that is just me being a nitpick. It still got a strong message across which is what matters most. It also maybe could have been a little better organized. There were a couple moments where I felt it was slightly jumpy, but once again, it was fairly minor. I enjoyed it overall and think that violence really is a huge issue on our world so I'm happy that this film exists as well as the people it highlights that are doing something about the problem.
My question for Zac: How involved with the production were you, and if you were on location with the subjects often, did you ever find yourself in danger? What did you do to minimize that fear?
I was very intrigued by “The Interrupters” especially the way it was able to continually shock me for almost the entire duration of the film. I have always been a fan of PBS documentaries, and this one definitely did not disappoint. I thought the film was very well shot and gave a personal look into the lives of the individuals who live through this violence every day. Most of which are directly or indirectly affected by it and have no way of stopping it. I thought the filmmakers did a great job of interviewing residents who could share some kind of insight to the problem at hand. However, I would have liked for them to have included more opinions from the people who didn’t agree that what the Ceasefire interrupters were doing, and did not think that their program was going to solve anyone’s problems. They did include some people saying this on camera while speaking in groups during a Ceasefire event or someone wanting to retaliate, but they rarely showed an interview with someone who was opposed to the interrupters cause. The last thing I want to say is that the content was very emotional and extremely powerful. It really makes me question a lot about our society, but it makes me hopeful when I see people who truly want to make a difference and not just accept these problems as normal things in our society.
ReplyDeleteMy question for Zak is: what would the film be like if it was solely created by people from these specific areas of Chicago?
I have to say that, thus far in the semester, this film struck a chord with me on a most profoundly personal level, being that Chicago is my hometown. In fact, for the first few years of my life, I was raised in the Little Village area, not far from some of the neighborhoods featured in the film. It was a bit surreal, in fact, for me to be able to forge a connection with certain familiar imagery that was so intrinsically part of my cultural grooming, and yet feel so disconnected from it at the same time, because as a child you don’t analyze your surroundings with regard to boundaries and ethical standards. You simply accept what you know as the societal norm. And it is only when you allow yourself to disengage from it, and view the surrounding violence within these communities from a more tolerant perspective, that you gain a heightened sense of awareness for the severity of the violence, as well as an appreciation for the change taking place. That’s what I sensed in the Cease Fire movement and its members. What struck me right away about this film was that it felt very much present and in the moment with the events taking place. It was grounded in the sense that it captures the various trivialities of everyday life for the youth in these neighborhoods, rather than bombarding the audience with numbers and statistics. Yes, there is that element of support, but it is not the primal focus of the piece. The focus is within the streets themselves, in the lives and homes of the kids, in the schools and churches, and places of refuge, as well as the memories of the interrupters that are making this gradual progression possible. And it isn’t afraid to linger on these smaller moments of humanity. That’s what I appreciate most about the piece. It’s difficult for me to pick a particular moment within the film that moved me the most, because there were several. But the moment where Eddie talks to the young boy who reveals the fear and concern for his cousin’s safety touched me profoundly because I couldn’t help but sense the hopelessness in his voice, as he is asking Eddie for answers he simply doesn’t have. It is extremely difficult witnessing a child’s breakthrough to the realization that life, itself, is essentially disposable..It begs me to wonder how someone at that tender age assesses the value of their own life, having to bear witness to all of this.
ReplyDeleteMy Question to Zak is this:
What precautions, if any, did you need to take before embarking on your project?
The aspect of Kartemquin's work that both impresses and baffles me is the level of access and trust that the filmmakers obtain with their characters. In scenes like Ameena and Caprysha's discussion in the park or the confrontation on Flamo's porch, it's difficult to imagine the process by which the filmmakers were able to establish a dynamic wherein they could capture these intimate moments.
ReplyDeleteIn style, The Interrupters is a fairly classic down-home documentary. There is little in the way of flashy visuals or unconventional stylistic decisions. However, like many of Kartemquin's films, it gets its energy and immediacy and presence in heavy emotional situations. And it explores complex, relevant social issues through the personal stories of people at the core of the action.
I have two questions for Zak:
Can you talk about the process of establishing trust with characters and being present to shoot them at raw, emotional times?
I know Ameena was recently diagnosed with cancer and a crowdsource funding campaign was in the works to help her receive a bone marrow transplant. Do you have any updates on her condition and the success of the campaign?
The Interrupters is a really powerful look into the gang violence of the South side of Chicago. While personally I wish they would’ve followed the path of some gang members, they focused more on the ones who are working to interrupt violence on the streets of Chicago. I believe Tio was talking about how they’re not there to end crime or street violence but at least to make people think twice. In a Ceasefire meeting one man said, “We’ve got over 500 years of jail time sitting at this table. That’s a lot of f***in’ wisdom.” I think that man was right and the way the Ceasefire organization is set up really makes sense. They need relatable people who know the game to be on the streets trying to make a change.
ReplyDeleteSteve James is a huge name in the Doc world from what I can tell and he seems to be very anchored to Chicago. That commitment to the city is really something I love to see. To me, it was shot very much so like a Doc. I don’t think they used the best cameras or best equipment. I felt as though the cameras, while sticking their noses in to capture the action played a backseat to the story. With a topic like gang violence they could’ve stylistically taken this several different directions to make the tone of the film to seem darker to help put you in a space that is reminiscent of some of the feels of the south side of Chicago. I felt stylistically this was very, “meat and potatoes”, which isn’t a bad thing at all. I think it worked for this piece. Some Docs like to use really stylish B-roll to juxtapose the rest of the less stylistic interview and mobile scenes but the B-roll in this Doc stayed true to the rest of the film. It always felt more like transitional pieces in between different segments of the film.
My only grievance isn’t a lack of a good story being told its just I’d prefer a different story where it’s more involved in the streets and with current gang members. I think working alongside Ceasefire shed some more light on to this epidemic. I appreciate the choice of choosing Ceasefire leaders to be our subjects and you can tell it’s very intentional but to me there’s a stronger story out there within the streets. Of course it will be terribly hard to gain access and there will be a level of danger and discomfort.
Question: What other strategies other than booming are successful for documentary work? With the randomness that can happen how can you ensure good audio on a Doc shoot?
The Interrupters made me feel optimistic from start to finish. This was the film I have wanted to watch all semester ever since we first saw the trailer on the first day of class. The role models in the film seemed like an all star cast assembled for a narrative film. It’s hard to choose who was my favorite because they’re so likable.
ReplyDeleteThe scenes in this documentary have a wide range of dynamics in terms of how they make me feel optimistic. From Flamo getting a job and choosing the right path, Ameena supporting the community and demanding change, the Cease Fire workers that encounter violence and scuffles everyday I’m sure and knowing how to handle the situation all of these scenes in the film make me feel good about change coming and the violence ending.
Question for Zak: Who was your favorite subject/character/role model to be on set with and interview?
I was so happy when I saw that this was the documentary that we were going to watch because I've heard so much and really wanted to see it. I loved this documentary because it's intention (at least to me) was not to exploit Chicago violence, but to educate people about it.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I appreciated was the different viewpoints - that of the founder, the interrupters, the diversity of the neighborhoods and the people in them, and even city officials opinions on the violence. For example when they were at the meeting and were talking about bringing in the National Guard to the most dangerous areas of Chicago to help stop the violence, you had city officials viewpoints on the impact of that action and then you had the citizens as well as the interrupters voicing their views on the situation.
As for not exploiting the Southside of Chicago, the doc does show the situation, but it also shows a solution to that problem. It dug deep to the heart and mind of the people who are in what they call a "war zone" and see why this plague is affecting these communities. Even though they did have a number of characters that they focused on, it worked because these characters were important to the story and each had their own experience to bring to the table. When you saw them reappear on screen, you automatically remembered who they were.
Speaking of the characters, I was just so happy the way Flamo's story ended. He went from "pop a nigga off" to stopping a conflict from outside of his house to getting a job and doing the right thing. Like his story and Lil Mikey's touched me because I know guys just like that who are now doing very well even when people said they wouldn't do anything, ever.
The structure of the film was just right. It wasn't too flashy, there weren't too many sit down interviews, and everything was just real. From the cursing to Ameena sitting on the bench talking with food in her mouth. To me that makes the characters as well as the documentary more relatable because it didn't wasn't made to win "most creative"; it was there to tell a story.The content itself was dramatic and interesting enough that it didn't need all the extra.
Overall, another one of my favorite documentaries!
Question for Zak: I'm sure there was so much background noise and extra commentaries that it could be a bit much. Did you have to do any retakes of things or had to take some things out because the sound was good? Also, what did you get from this experience?
I want to first start off by saying that this was a really hard documentary to watch. It blew my mind to learn that all of this was happening just 30 minutes from where I live. They see the same city, the same Chicago, but they do not live the same life I live, and I'm ashamed that I didn't know about the frequency of violence these neighborhoods face every day. I only hear about it on the news, the latest shooting to happen, the latest victim to be claimed by hate. All I heard was, "Avoid these neighborhoods, stay away from gangs, don't walk around too late at night." I felt so completely disconnected from these events, and after watching this documentary, I feel like such a horrible person to have ignored it. Just as one person said in the film, "It's a problem in our community, it's a problem in our city, it's a problem in our nation."
ReplyDeleteA lot of the elements in this documentary really worked well with the subject matter. For example, the look of the film wasn't as stylistic as the other documentaries we watched in class, such as Tabloid and the Imposter, but that's okay. It was very real, unembellished, gritty, upfront. Especially since this is such a current and important social issue, in my opinion, it matched with the director's intent for the film. It sought to "rehumanize" the people that are definitely dehumanized by the police and media.
The addressing of what is at the core of all this violence is very helpful in pushing the story forward. Although it didn't seem like it, the documentary was very investigative in finding the motives for shooting and killing, finding out the reason why all these young people were dying. Not everyone was willing to talk about WHY they shoot people. Violence begets violence, hate begets hate. The people in this film talk about "defending honor," and "getting revenge," but, digging deeper, it was because of huge egos and that it was taught to them growing up, being stuck in that environment.
The three strengths of this film can definitely be credited to the powerful characters, memorable quotes, and unforgettable imagery. Cobe, Eddie, and Ameena, they all contributed their own personal struggles, their reasons for why they're a part of CeaseFire and they're so motivated to help others get on their feet. In addition, the people they were helping, such as Flamo, Lil' Mikey, and Caprysha, also exemplified how this outreach organization was effectively reaching out and positively affecting the community, one person at a time. They were able to learn from their role models, to resist fanning the flames of hate, to forgive and ask for forgiveness, to begin a better life. When Lil’ Mikey walked into the barber shop with Cobe to apologize for his crime, one of the men said, “So it take a lot of gut to walk back on the surfaces that you did dirt on.” It really does. And, although Ameena had said, “Words will get you killed,” a lot of what the interrupters had to say did the complete opposite. On the contrary, a lot of their words SAVED lives. I enjoyed the scenes of Ameena talking to the people, especially with the contrast between being playful with the children and standing in the middle of a group of men twice her size, lecturing them on what it means to be mature. Another image that really stuck with me was during the montage of street memorials and names displayed along with them. There was a wall inscribed with names of the deceased. It then zooms in on one of the bricks, which has “I AM NEXT” written on it. The hopelessness and fear that these kids, ones who are even younger than me, feel just because they live next to a person who owns a gun, that is so heartbreaking and emotionally powerful.
DeleteMy questions for Zak:
What got you passionate about this subject?
Initially, what did you hope to accomplish with this documentary?
As being a producer for the film and, assuming, advocate for the CeaseFire organization, what frustrations do you feel about the current situation of the group?
Is this what you envisioned your film to achieve, or do you feel, even though your project on the Interrupters is over, that you still need to do something for these neighborhoods of Chicago?
I was really excited about this film. I think so often we hear about this problem but rarely do we hear what is being done about it. We hear politicians talk about how they promise to make a difference but we don’t actually see it. So I thought it was refreshing to see a group actually out on the streets stopping violence.
ReplyDeleteWhen the Cease Fire group is having their meeting, and the fight breaks out outside, and Ameena takes Dea for a drive to separate him and give him time to cool off, I thought that was a pretty powerful moment. Not only did she stop the violence in the moment, but he didn’t just get locked up, and now he knows there are other ways to cope with whatever's happening the next time there is a fight.
I also really liked this film for giving insight into why these things happen while still pointing out that it’s senseless killings. But it gives the audience a better understanding if we aren’t from these neighborhoods. I’m from Michigan and then moved here. So all my life I’ve known about these dangerous neighborhoods but I didn’t have to live inside them. “You don’t go there” My mom tells me that all the time because she knows I keep trying to do a photo series on Detroit. So for those of us who “don’t go there” I was glad to be getting a better understanding of what’s happening. I never thought about why people get set off because they are experiencing so much at home. I also didn’t realize a lot of it was just interpersonal rage and not just gang violence.
My question for Zak is: how do you stay safe while trying to make a film like this? There is the scene in the hospital where one of the Cease Fire members has been shot. How do you enter a neighborhood like this and get the footage you need but stay safe while doing it?
I don't know if there were re-enactments in this film, but everything seemed real! If anything I can vouch for the situations being as real as depicted. This film is more of a re-enactment to me personally, because I'm from Chicago. I grew up on the west side, in a neighborhood with just as bad a reputation for violence and other crimes as that of Englewood. I remember seeing the fights, drug activities, prostitutes, and gang activities outside my window. The situations in this film kind of replays those memories for me.
ReplyDeleteI like how Ameena puts her whole being at the forefront, and without knowing something like this was already in the making, this is the exact film I came to Columbia to make. I am actively...Ameena now. I work in after-school programs, I write for a community outreach program, and believe it or not, I have the same nonchalant, caring, tough-love approach ingrained in me. The exact depiction of her is like I'm looking at myself, minus the involvement.
I like the attention this work brings to emotion. I also like how this is the first film to show criminal subjects as individuals and not just classifying them as animals from the animal section. Also important is the Interrupters weren't just gathering subjects and preaching to them in a forum setting. They were holding hands, escorting them through life after, and showing them how far just a little bit of hope and effor can get you on a positive course.
I love, love, love this film. I am a living testament to how people born and bred off these same blood-drenched pieces of concrete, can overcome, get past, and be a productive person in life. I like how Ameena places heavy emphasis on how the absence of a father leaves you open to explore without guidance and to discover and become a part of the wrong elements.
I am a person fortunate enough to have a very involved, never missed a day without seeing me father in the household. He helped me to successfully avoid becoming a victim of my surroundings, but I always felt an emotional impact from the ones from my same stomping grounds that didn't have a way and got caught up in these outdoor cycles. I know 100 Kobe's, 1000 Eddie's, and 10000 Ameena's. My question to Zak would be more of a proposal: What do you feel about sharing and collaborating on my idea that would kind of be like an Ameena North Lawndale........Inside, but outside element?
The Interrupters addresses a handful of issues in just one hour. I was impressed with how many aspects of violence and the culture surrounding it that the filmmakers were able to capture by following just three main characters. The cease fire group creates hope and I think that is what keeps me attentive, rather than being swallowed by the heart break of these stories. It is also interesting that they filmed all of this in one year, it is insane that they filmed all of these terrible situation in such a short amount of time. It says a lot about how much violence is actually embedded in Chicago.
ReplyDeleteAs far as sound goes, I read some of the reviews on line, and one less than articulate review mentioned that the music felt over bearing. I don’t remember any moments that felt music-heavy, in fact I was so entranced by what the characters were saying I can’t say I noticed music at all.
I’d like to ask Zak how they traveled around, if they needed a lot of equipment to get that quality sound and if the technology was distracting or offensive to anyone. Clearly they had to have mics clipped on, but was there any more equipment that was distracting/intimidating to the subjects?