I was really intrigued in seeing Breathing Port Robinson. I have followed the website portrobinsonroad.com for a few years now, and have always been totally captivated by what Mcrae has been wanting to do with the story.
When I found out he was making a documentary to help his vision, I thought.. "Now this should be interesting" And indeed it was. It wasn't perfect, but then again, what is? It was however totally raw, real and independent film-making at its core. The film answered a lot of questions I had, but also left out some I wanted to know more about, perhaps on purpose, or maybe for budget reasons who knows.
What surprised me, was how much these guys could do with nothing. If indeed this film was made for nothing, which Mcrae and Dale keep claiming it was, then my god these two know how to bring something pretty impressive (with nothing) together in post production. The hard part, but the total on purpose part at the same time, was that the film is a personal piece. That is bluntly obvious. And although that maybe one of the films draw backs, it's also the films greatest strength.
It's obvious that Mcrae and his fellow College mates (some who don't appear in the film for whatever reason) experienced something only a select few get to experience in a lifetime. I for one tend to believe him (them) you can just tell, you can just feel it.
Mcrae's passion for movie making is also obvious, with his stylish wit, charm and charismatic personality that leads the way throughout the piece. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, you'll probably believe him. You'll be entertained by Mcrae and Dale, and if anything, respect what they're trying to do.
The film itself is also set up very differently. Most documentaries carry interviews that play throughout the film and keep jumping back to those particular interviews to validate a point in the narration. With Breathing Port Robinson, there is no narration, and no jumping back. The interviews are presented in a first come, first serve basis. Mcrae hasn't seen these people (so he says) in nearly 10 years, or is 8 1/2? make up your mind Dave;) We see them interviewed as Dave sees them for the first time, and it's an interesting way of doing it. But you better pay attention, because we don't hear or see them again, until the end for a little validation.
The EVP is startling, and although I couldn't really hear the first "ghostly voice" the second was so clear I pinched myself twice and thought.. "No... really?" It has to be the clearest EVP I have ever heard.
The soundtrack is one of the films strong points. Haunting, majestic, eerie, powerful. Is this a documentary? Bruce Dale and Dave Mcrae have done a great job with what little they have, and if this is what they can do with nothing, I for one, would love to see what they do with something.
I highly recommend the film, but be warned, it's a personal piece, you may not be able to relate to it. But if you're someone who loves the paranormal, ghosts and the unknown, you'll appreciate it. And if you're a filmmaker, you "should" be able to relate to and respect the passion.
When I found out he was making a documentary to help his vision, I thought.. "Now this should be interesting" And indeed it was. It wasn't perfect, but then again, what is? It was however totally raw, real and independent film-making at its core. The film answered a lot of questions I had, but also left out some I wanted to know more about, perhaps on purpose, or maybe for budget reasons who knows.
What surprised me, was how much these guys could do with nothing. If indeed this film was made for nothing, which Mcrae and Dale keep claiming it was, then my god these two know how to bring something pretty impressive (with nothing) together in post production. The hard part, but the total on purpose part at the same time, was that the film is a personal piece. That is bluntly obvious. And although that maybe one of the films draw backs, it's also the films greatest strength.
It's obvious that Mcrae and his fellow College mates (some who don't appear in the film for whatever reason) experienced something only a select few get to experience in a lifetime. I for one tend to believe him (them) you can just tell, you can just feel it.
Mcrae's passion for movie making is also obvious, with his stylish wit, charm and charismatic personality that leads the way throughout the piece. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, you'll probably believe him. You'll be entertained by Mcrae and Dale, and if anything, respect what they're trying to do.
The film itself is also set up very differently. Most documentaries carry interviews that play throughout the film and keep jumping back to those particular interviews to validate a point in the narration. With Breathing Port Robinson, there is no narration, and no jumping back. The interviews are presented in a first come, first serve basis. Mcrae hasn't seen these people (so he says) in nearly 10 years, or is 8 1/2? make up your mind Dave;) We see them interviewed as Dave sees them for the first time, and it's an interesting way of doing it. But you better pay attention, because we don't hear or see them again, until the end for a little validation.
The EVP is startling, and although I couldn't really hear the first "ghostly voice" the second was so clear I pinched myself twice and thought.. "No... really?" It has to be the clearest EVP I have ever heard.
The soundtrack is one of the films strong points. Haunting, majestic, eerie, powerful. Is this a documentary? Bruce Dale and Dave Mcrae have done a great job with what little they have, and if this is what they can do with nothing, I for one, would love to see what they do with something.
I highly recommend the film, but be warned, it's a personal piece, you may not be able to relate to it. But if you're someone who loves the paranormal, ghosts and the unknown, you'll appreciate it. And if you're a filmmaker, you "should" be able to relate to and respect the passion.
