jay

VENEZIA 65. ORIZZONTI

29/30

Reality TV gone too far? Definitely, we are more than aware of the lengths TV producers will surely go to in order to create new reality shows. But what about the reactions and effects of the people being exploited? In this film by Francis X Pasion what is most interesting is not how far the Philippine media will go to produce new shows that are bigger, and more dramatic in the lengths they travel to exploit, but the subject or contestant or star of the so called reality show. They believe what is happening to them is wonderful, in their naivety they believe that the program is a gift. Also importantly the presenter and TV visionary artist Jay is important to the film as a catalyst for all the events that take place during the film. Who, uncannily has the same name and apparent persona as the deceased.

There are two sections of film, firstly a frantic woman’s voice unfolding a mystery murder live as it happens and recording the reactions of the family as they learn their son is dead. The second part a slow unfolding portrayal of the making of the show, the reality of getting the right shot and as Jay the presenter perfectly puts it, it is acting reality. Recreating moments for the camera to get the perfect edit and they are shameless in the way the stars are exploited. The family also form a strong bond with the filmmakers who shamelessly expose their grief and situation.

The idea is simple, well portrayed and raw in its presentation and simplistic in its views. The TV crew shamelessly asks the grievers to repeat their actions and they do in a very obliging way, almost as though they are only acting. There are moments in the film where the victims family switch between grieving for their son and getting caught up in the whirlwind of television hype.

There is an amazing scene where the mother of the deceased has to replay the moment where she viewed her son’s body at the morgue. Beautifully executed and such a powerful moment. The concept of  reality acting. When she stops and asks to do it again because she ran out of lines and reapplies makeup before throwing herself into the role of grieving mother pleading for justice is a wonderful yet simple portrayal. The people affected seem to have complete faith that the camera crew are right in what they are doing and never question it once or make any sort of demands to them. They simply lie down and let the crew walk over their poor grieving bodies and never once realise their self indulgence. Only once asking for money and not putting up a fight when refused. Television is something to aspire to and it is something to be believed in for example when the crew arrives and the young girl instantly presumes it is for big brother. A sort of tongue in cheek moment that comments on the state of television.

What makes this film completely different from other films about reality TV such as the Truman Show or Battle Royal is that even though similarly the content of the shows is awful and shocking the big difference is the consent and willingness to participate.

The ending is an outtake of the last scene. In which Jay suddenly becomes Baron Geisler again  which make the whole film appear a farce because Jay knows it. He is aware of the illusion that is created during the two hours the audience spends in he cinema watching it. But in a good way, a perfect way for what the director is trying to get across. Ok it may seem like a slight cop out or too conceptual an ending in lazy way but I like the subtlety and honesty of it.

29:08:2008

jay

VENEZIA 65. ORIZZONTI