Eric's Secrets

Eric's Secrets

Length: 4 Minutes

By: Lucia Ashmore (2008)

The documentary follows 91-year old Dr. Eric Frankel and reflects his life. He talks about the last 53 years in his house, with his wife and reveals secrets about his marriage and his cooking.

Once again, I think this was a nice little documentary. The topic was quite nice and simple, almost giving it the 'aww' feeling. This old man tells us his cooking secrets and about his marriage, it makes you feel a little happiness inside because of the '*cute' feel to it. It also makes you feel empathy when he talks about how his wife died in his arms - it makes the piece play with your emotions, you feel for this man. 

Most of the piece was made up of stills of archive, or photographs from Eric's past. It gave the piece a really nice emotional feel to allow the audience to connect. However it's quiet repetitive in continuously showing pictures.

The camera angles and shots are once again thought out well. I like this shot (above) because it obviously focuses on Eric, but shows his environment, with his teapot. It shows he's comfortable which allows the audience to be comfortable. The house is old-fashioned, giving you that feeling of empathy, the care you feel for elderly people, wanting to hear their history.

I loved the use of sound in this piece. The dialogue was clear and understandable and the music in the background was soft and noticeable, but it only made the environment and made the piece a whole, it wasn't distracting, it said the mood for the audience to feel for Eric himself.

It's nice and simple and I enjoyed this documentary. Conventional shots and sound use which made the piece enjoyable. :)