Marwencol

Going through Mark Hogencamp's life after he recovered from a brutal attack that had put him in a coma, Marwencol gives the audience a highlight of how his life is after the attack, while also investigating the real reason why Mark was attacked. It focuses on his struggles after coming back from  a coma and how he starts a World War II based town made of miniature action figures and barbie dolls. 

As it goes on, the documentary reveals that Mark is a cross dresser. That is why he was beaten up and left to die. It seems that out of the bitterness of the attack Mark creates a fictional town in which people love him and good things happen. As the documentary introduces it at first, it seems to be art and a form of therapy for Mark. But as the story progresses, it is his way of making right the issues and struggles he has faced in life by making an altar ego and a town where everything goes according to his rules. 

The documentary takes a huge twist when it is revealed that Mark is a cross dresser and that was the reason he was beaten and in a coma as a result of it. It is definitely one of the most unique documentaries I have seen.  

Burden of Dreams

Chronicling the events leading up to and during the production of Werner Herzog's "Fitzcarraldo," Burden of Dreams focuses on the major issues and problems that Herzog and the production crew had to go through as they were making the film. What is interesting is how being in the jungle drives everyone crazy, especially Herzog. 

Herzog was focused on making the film that he lost all concern for other people and things. Local people lost their lives, a lot of money was used and wasted, and it took a long time to complete the film. But that did not stop Herzog from making the film. It is to the point that by the end of the documentary, the audience feels that Herzog is a crazy person. That is at least what I thought. 

One of the things that interested me was the difference of style in this documentary. Unlike most of the documentaries I have seen, this documentary had less interviews and more of just following people and getting actual situations and problems on film. For me, I think that is what makes  this documentary intense and authentic.

America

Directed by Dinesh D'Souza and John Sullivan, America provides an interesting perspective of the United States of America. Imagining what the world would be like without the USA, Dinesh takes the audience on a journey through the history of the USA while also shedding light on current events and different perspectives in society regarding America.

Something that the documentary did for me was to think about how the USA has helped me and benefited me during my time at Huntington University. I came here about two years ago to study film production, to gain experience and knowledge that would help me make films back home in Pakistan. So far Huntington and America have helped me a lot through the education and experiences I have had so far. Moreover, just learning more about the American culture and also working here has helped me develop as an individual, on a personal and professional level. 

I think that in the midst of the negativity that the USA faces internationally, this documentary provides encouragement for the American people by identifying all the good that has been done in and through them.