Best of the Web

• Posted By: Kathy M.Y. Pyon
• Posted On: 11:01 p.m. | June 6, 2012

Last Dance: American Proms by Gillian Laub

When I initially came upon this video, I expected a series of portraits only. I was pleasantly surprised at the range of locations that photographer Gillian Laub traveled to make these portraits and the planning and production behind each situation.  Being so removed from prom, these photos reminded me of a marker in a young person’s life when it felt that real, adult life was not too far on the horizon.  The video didn’t explore the stories of these kids but left me wanting to hear the excitement and hope in their youth.

David Guttenfelder: A New Look at North Korea

As gray and dreary as the place is, the spots of color are utterly powerful.  The women working in the factory or the young ladies in their perfectly pressed hanboks give a breath of life that we often miss.

This vast collection of photography by David Guttenfelder brings a human side a closed off world. There are even a couple of frames in which North Koreans are smiling — perhaps forced.  It is uncertain and questions if they are actually filled with sincere joy; regardless, the glimpse is unique and poignant.   Several of Guttenfelder’s photographs elicit the mood of a faded painting rediscovered. Each frame is filled with layers upon layers of one central story that quickly branches to other stories — or, more accurately, questions.

Living with Floodwaters

I was intrigued immediately with the start of this. The cinematography is wonderful, and the video portraits are cut superbly into the entire piece and  say so much without any spoken words. I would like to learn more about some of the people featured, which makes me think that I did really enjoy this piece.

A Life on Hold

This film also got me right away.  The editing, flow, pacing, and filming told engaging story. Videos like this are such a minute slice of a bigger story and challenging to tell in such a short amount of time. As a filmmaker, the decision to cut out some details can be heartbreaking.  This film, I imagine, had a lot more footage that could have been utilized, but as is, it’s a good piece that starts the conversation and made me care for the characters.

Caption: Top left: photography by Gillian Laub; top right: photography by David Guttenfelder; bottom left: screen grab from “Living with Floodwaters”; bottom right: screen grab from “A Life on Hold.”