talk back
Talk Back # 11: Our House
An intimate crowd gathered last night to watch Our House at The Tank. The documentary depicts the various members living in an alternative housing community in the midst of gentrified Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Among its many residents are Dan, a fifty-something man who has been recently released from prison, and Derek, a Christian anarchist radical teacher.
Filmmakers David Teague and Greg King gained unprecedented access to the residents of “Our House” (the residence’s actual moniker), and gave the doc a variety of visual textures courtesy of HD video and Super 16 and 8 film. Using only natural light, the results are gorgeous and many in the audience pointed out how breathtaking was the footage.
Moderator Brian Geldin expertly guided the discussion. The filmmakers were keen to hear how the structure of the piece was working, and specifically, how the end of the film played out since an unpredictable event throws the residents into momentary chaos.
Let’s hear more thoughts on the rough cut we watched. Please post your comments below.
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Posted on February 26, 2009
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Comments
Hi! I was at the screening but only arrived at what was really bugging me about the “founders” of Our House after we adjourned. My friend and I both agreed that it would help quell feelings of dislike for JP and Neil (?) if we knew from the beginning what their economic standing/social status was. If they can do cleanses with organic maple syrup, then the audiences needs to know what makes them different from the Wiliamsburg hipsters. Clearly there are two sides to the neighborhood- the condo crowd whose dwellings displace the Our House residents and those in need of basic resources. Because of their lack of want, there was a general feeling of distrust towards these young mean who, unlike Dan, smelled vaguely of priviledge.
Posted on February 27, 2009 by Elena
I went to the screening and was very impressed. I really like the Q&A afterwards.
Posted on March 18, 2009 by Jeff Toback
What really impressed me about the film was the sense of space and how this small community was able to create a sacred space in the heart of trendy williamsburg. With a few more details added about the setting of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn, the house itself will become a character. Storytelling introduces a character, and then a conflict, resolution, etc—you have that. You introduce the space, Our House, and the conflict of demolition, and while that character doesn’t survive the whole story, the people who were part of it carry it with them. Some of the most beautiful shots in the film were simply of the space, the tent, washing the tent…those told an amazing story and gave the house itself personality. Great stuff; I cant wait to see how you’ll revise the film. Best of luck with it!
Posted on March 21, 2009 by Marley