Length: 24:37
Logline: A filmmaker captures the daily ins and outs of the inhabitants of a typical housing block as they use the communal lift.
A fascinating glimpse into peoples lives and thoughts is captured as filmmaker Isaacs stands in a cramped lift for ten hours a day during one full month. We don't always want to see the grim reality that's presented in documentaries but here it is well balanced. Both depressing and uplifting, topics such as isolation of the elderly, race, religion and mental health are all covered here.
We are able to see a clear development in the subjected lift users reactions to Isaacs. The initial hesitance and wariness subsides into familiarity, opening up, and trust. You get the feeling that some of these people actually look forward to seeing Isaacs as his constant presence changes him from intruder to casual acquaintance. Unlike wildlife cameramen, Isaacs interacts and ultimately impacts on his subject matters lives (is that against the documentary filmmakers code or something?) They bring him food, ask him about himself and muse how his questions have really made them think that day.
We are able to see a clear development in the subjected lift users reactions to Isaacs. The initial hesitance and wariness subsides into familiarity, opening up, and trust. You get the feeling that some of these people actually look forward to seeing Isaacs as his constant presence changes him from intruder to casual acquaintance. Unlike wildlife cameramen, Isaacs interacts and ultimately impacts on his subject matters lives (is that against the documentary filmmakers code or something?) They bring him food, ask him about himself and muse how his questions have really made them think that day.
As it focuses on the many rather than the few, we only get beneath the surface of a few characters. By asking short but deliberate questions, Isaacs has expertly selected dialogue for some which almost summarises and gives deeper understanding into theses peoples lives. One poignant moment is the stereotypical Scottish alcoholic who tells us his best childhood memory was seeing a golden eagle.
I found the intro a bit long winded. The title kind of gives it away so didn't see the need for the long setup. The ending too lacked any real conclusion or finality. Understandably the only cut aways were going to be uninteresting shots of the lift itself which grated after a while. The pace could have been a bit quicker for my liking but saying that, the twenty four odd minutes fly by in no time. The only thing you're left wanting is more.
I found the intro a bit long winded. The title kind of gives it away so didn't see the need for the long setup. The ending too lacked any real conclusion or finality. Understandably the only cut aways were going to be uninteresting shots of the lift itself which grated after a while. The pace could have been a bit quicker for my liking but saying that, the twenty four odd minutes fly by in no time. The only thing you're left wanting is more.
Best Bit: The wee dog that changes its mind about using the lift.
Worst Bit: The initial uncomfortableness of the subjects also makes you kind of uncomfortable watching it. But in a good way.
Final thought: Want more people less inane shots of the inner workings of a lift shaft.
Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.
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