We follow Nigel and his supportive wife Claire as they spend their final weeks together. Watson edits and cross-cuts footage to emphasize reccuring themes across the alcoholics. This is just one example of the reaction that Watsons Rain in My Heart provoked; Not something that is watched and easily forgotten about. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . By the time she married at 18 she was a serious drinker - the marriage didn't last, nor did a succession of jobs despite her being able to speak at least two other languages. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rain-In-My-Heart-Documentary-In-Memory-Of-My-Dad-Toni-And-Vanda/233416877232. I would not have the heavens fair, Once she confesses her heartbreaking childhood, Watson mentions that he will check with her tomorrow to see whether she still wants it to be put in [the final cut of the documentary]. I have noticed that many people discuss this film on various alcoholism-related websites and quite a number of people stopped drinking after watching it or at least took it into serious consideration, and even if one person was/ will be saved by this film than it was definitely worth it. About 20 different medications are washed down with pints of vodka and cordial. Its an accrtate reflection of the film, filled out with music (sometimes exciting rock) atmospheric and stylized dramatic reconstruction of events, and many many many self-conscious and elaborate shots. Rain in my Heart (Full). If the subjects are happy to be filmed then I dont see the problem as long as they have a stable state of mind. This I feel undermines what his role as a filmmaker is as it shows his intentions for the direction of this documentary. Ive never seen alcoholism go to this extent. Although it could be argued that this footage is showing Vanda what she is like when she is drunk, I would say that her answers might have been different if she was sober when she was asked them. Whats exploitation? No need . Rather, this extreme showing of suffering is an eduction, to open the spectators eyes to this disease and its effects. Stream "I've Got Rain In My Heart" by The Fresh Experience on desktop and mobile. To argue my point further, there is a particular example from Rain In My Heart that exemplifies this problem. Read about our approach to external linking. This means as subjects they must think the documentary will help. I particularly found the way that Watson asked questions respectable, when talking about the monsters in Vandas head she stated she didnt want to talk about it and he was reassuring and moved the conversation away from them. But all of these elements and attitudes of the filmmaker were performed in order to achieve a result of what alcoholism really is and of how serious and dangerous its consequences can be. Overall were the subjects happy to be on film? (http://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2006/nov/05/sheffielddocfestaredocument) It is important to understand that Watson is doing his job as a filmmaker and how this certainly does not make in inhumane to the situation. As an audience member I am conflicted as to how satisfied I am with how Watson deals with accusations about him exploiting the audience. I doubt he would have filmed the subjects in these environments if he himself doubted they would drop their barriers. Rain in my Heart (Full). Is it really more important that showing the dangerous of alcoholism by peoples moment who dying even ignore their life? Although there is noticeably moments in the film that steer towards the interviewer, interviewee style of interaction, the communication between Watson and his subjects can certainly be seen as intimate and personal. Documentary which follows four alcohol abusers - Vanda, aged 43; Mark, 29; Nigel, 49 and Toni, 26 - from the impoverished Medway towns of north Kent. (2006). If she was lying she wouldnt tell him would she? The issue raised here was that Vanda previously refused to tell Watson about her childhood, so only let it out when she was drunk, which one could argue is unethical as she is under the influence of alcohol so she is probably saying things she doesnt want to say. This sort of fly-on-the-wall documentaries and even reality tv shows have created are becoming more accepting of intruding on other peoples most intimate and private moments. Rain is a natural phenomenon that has extreme importance in human society. As the director said himself My job is to explain, not entertain. I felt that already Watson was too close to his subjects to represent them how he originally intended to. Boozenight is on Thursday, 13 December, at 10.30pm on BBC TWO. Is this the feel good factor we crave? I would have to answer that most likely, rhetorical question, by saying yes! She was also married to him. As Watson edits his film himself he gets to choose what stays in the final cut, therefore raising other ethical issues as he may have only chosen to show the subjects at their worst and in very emotional states. Overall, I do not feel that Paul Watson has exploited the subjects in his film. I feel that to say Watson exploits his subjects within the film is unfair. It is one of overwhelming sickness and reduced privacy/independence. The decision to include this part of Vandas drunk dialogue is one that is certainly questionable, especially since we are not given evidence as to whether or not she did consent to the inclusion once sober. To judge whether or not Watson exploited the people in his film wed have to know exactly how hes profited from them. I also at times found it hard to watch due to the harsh reality of the subjects lives. 0 . The film charts the traumas faced by the alcoholics as they bounce between Gillingham Medway Maritime Hospital and their homes, and highlights the emotional impact their struggle has had on those around them. Even though there is not exact evidence of Kath saying this to Watson, I believe that if she had thought differently the scene would be cut out since it is such a dramatic and personal event. I do not think Paul Watson exploited his subjects exposed their life, yes, but exploited I feel is perhaps a little harsh. Paul Watsons attempt to defend himself and his arguments against the accusations do make sense. Nonetheless, I think that Paul Watsons work is justifiable and I do not consider him to be selfish. Surely, this would mean that his documentary would attract more viewings but at least that would mean that more and more people would learn and be warned about the effects of alcoholism. I feel he mistakes this forced friendliness by asking more and more personal questions as he continues to film her. But if some of us dont record it, no one else will learn about it. The consent was given while the participants were fully aware of what they were agreeing to, which makes it difficult to accuse Paul Watson of having really exploited his subjects. One example from the documentary which I felt that could have made some people to view as Watson exploiting his subjects would be when one of his subject revealed (when she was highly intoxicated) that she had been sexually abused by her father. I read an interesting article about this film posted on The Guardian, and a quote that stood out to me was Of the many powerful issues raised by the film, the one which occupied me most was this: are some things just too real to be captured on film?. However in the documentary there is a shot of him asking Why am I asking you to watch Nigel die? and he then says that Nigels wife, Kath, had wanted it to be shown so that the audience would be made fully aware of the consequences of alcoholism. You can watch a short reminder of their stories via the links below. However, in my opinion, after he knocks over Vandas drink and clears it up for her, he says the phrase I had put so much money on you. Im thinking of the massacre set to Bach, of the march over the horizon to Israel, and of the justly infamous shower scene. The fact that two of participants died during filming is grim testimony to the illness of alcoholism. 22/11/06 - 10:57 #8. Rain In My Heart is a documentary that is observing four alcohol abusers Vanda, aged 43; Mark, 29; Nigel, 49 and Toni, 26 from the impoverished Medway towns of north Kent. We as a audience get to see his family grieving him when he dies and more importantly we see his wife looking after him when he is in his worst state and also coping with his departure. Forum Member. Their harsh realities shocked me, however i found it extremely easy/automatic to empathise with them due to the methods of which Watson included, and the issues raised were heavily captivating. He leads the interviewees go into their deep heart and gradually express their ideas. Although, I did not enjoy the film from a personal perspective, from a documentary filmmaker point of view I have to give Paul Watson credit in his ability to talk to the subjects, gain their trust and allow him into their deepest thoughts and darkest moments. I feel sympathy towards the subjects because they were, maybe, unsure as to what they had agreed to, and what it involved. Print this design in the 3.5 x 5" size. Things which have been considered problematic in Watsons Rain In My Heart include: informed consent from his subjects, the argument of whether or not the filmmaker should intervene in the filming process, the appropriateness of certain parts of the film, most notably Nigels funeral and his grieving family, and finally, the relationship between Watson and his subjects. Vanda, 43, has been drinking since the age of 12. During the documentary, Mark (one of Watsons subjects, aged 29) states that he agreed to do filming for Paul to show people why they should not drink alcohol. Get up to 5 months free When watching the film, there various moments where I felt Paul Watson over stepped the mark, and exploited his subjects. High-quality Rain In My Heart Wall Art designed and sold by artists. Mark is being exploited towards the end of the film when he goes crazy and starts crying, screaming, vomiting etc. Basically, I think Paul Watson is really successful in showing the facts and emotional stuff in this documentary. So with saying that, I was satisfied with the way that Watson handled his participants. Comments KNWYRRTS says On Thursday, in a special follow-up film for Newsnight, Paul revisits two of the alcoholics from the film, plus the widow of one of those who died during filming. I personally feel as though Watson did not exploit his subjects as they all gave informed consent when they were sober and in hospital, under the supervision of healthcare professionals who could determine whether they were of sound mind, however this issue can be questioned at some points. Finally, the article posted below discusses Rain in my Heart alongside other documentaries of Paul Watson. This is an extremely special place to hunt mule deer and we have an intimate knowledge of the terrain. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. He interrogates the truth, not to exploit or harm the subjects in any way, but to try and uncover how and why these people fell into such a dark and alienated existence. Even all knows that subjects were vulnerale and needed a help. This shows how relationships are built up when filmmaking and how subjects and even the interviewer forms attachments. Sometimes during the film I felt like I wanted to intervene in order to stop what the interviewees were struggling with while telling their stories. He witnessed some horrific scenes throughout filming and only once (that I can recall) did he step in to hand Mark a sick bucket and express disappointment to Venda for her choosing to buy a bottle of vodka. Thus exploiting their vulnerability to further push their weakness and end up with footage that will strike the audiences attention and maybe even get better ratings. Thats exactly what I think about the film: it is extreme and crude in some scenes but this cannot be translated as exploitation but as accurate and careful explanation and evidence of a serious phenomenon such as alcoholism. I found the piece riveting but extremely disturbing. Firstly, there was given consent from all parties that took place. It is not a pleastant sound. When telling Vandas story, I felt he was very close to her, almost to the point where it could be seen as a personal relationship. "; How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire, Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit, Tourists flock to 'Jesus's tomb' in Kashmir. Otherwise it would not have been so real and touching and would not have had such an effect on those who watch it. The subject is not exploited as she has consented Watson to film her in her most tragic state and all of this psychological revealing is not only for Watsons own good but for the audience as they are being warned off the overuse of alcohol. It was graphic, saddening and an uncomfortable viewing but I was overwhelmed by its message. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. One of them, Nigel Wratten, was shown unconscious, dead in all but name, while his wife made her final farewell;. If he had interfered then he could have been potentially saving lives. Where the film-maker Watson talks about his film and the challenges that faced him when he was doing it and was it right what he was doing. Secondly, Watson must have gone through a pre-planning stage where he would have had to choose the subjects he wished to include, therefore it couldnt have been as completely objective/unbiased as it seemed. When researching the film I found a web page (which is a old BBC one). To watch this sequence of Watson, truthfully revealing his professional flaw, for me, was quite humbling. Play over 265 million tracks for free on SoundCloud. Watsons past experience in using the observational documentary style in his films means that he is well adjusted to the style. Although uncomfortable to watch this shed some light if not clarity into the source of Vandas drinking. Also, I think he had a desire to understand his characters and the reasons of being whothey are. Throughout the film, i found it almost challenging to watch as it touched on so many personal issues to Watsons subjects. Filmed in 2006 the film. This is also something Watson shouldnt go into. The most obvious example is the scene where Vanda (being drunk) tells Paul about the monsters in her head, even though she did not want to talk about that when she was sober. He is exploiting Nigel as he was only continuing to cover the story because he thinks that he will benefit out of it, when the focus should really be concentrating on capturing the truth and reality of the situation, therefore I believe that Paul Watson was exploiting his subjects in this documentary. such as askingcan we enter the subjects house? We have to remember that all the subjects gave their full consent to be filmed. When watching Rain in my Heart I felt that to say Paul Watson exploited his subjects is unfair. He also gained the trust of his subjects to the extent that Vanda confined in him regarding her abuse as a child, and Nigels wife wanting Watson to be there when she said goodbye to him. Tonis most exploitative scene, as I believe, is when she is shown unconscious a few days before her death. Because I think it break the engagement of the audience. Men's Journal is a rugged and refined lifestyle publication covering the coolest new gear, luxury and adventure travel, food and drink, health and fitness, and more. Other examples are when he continuing to film Nigels wife as she said goodbye to her dying husband in the hospital and when Vanda told a deep secret about the reason she became an alcoholic. Although, there are several moments when this filmmaker and subject relationship is close to breach, he retains his role of confidentiality and recognizes that the subject may not be too sober to make such ethical decisions of what they would like in the final cut or not. Music Video BOWY Rain In My Heart Featured In Album Beat Emotion BOWY Listen to RAIN IN MY HEART on Apple Music. But theres a film within and around the film, one that Steven Spielberg didnt make but that he or someone else should have made: Spielbergs List, the story of the casting call for the actresses who would be getting undressed and going into the gas chamber that turns out to be a shower. For example, when Vandas temper reaches a certain point and she slams the phone down repetitively, wanting to break it and smash it pieces. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. At the same time, I do think Paul Watson exploited his subjects. Twenty-nine-year-old Mark consumes two bottles of vodka per day. Also, later on the film when he asks of the liability of the life experiences she has told him, I felt it was very unnecessary to show her breaking down. The question of the ethics of filmmaking is clearly something that is troubling to Watson. Considering this film brings light to the mental conditions that tend to lead to alcoholism, then was Paul Watson in the right place to accept the consent from these people? However, many critics point out how these subjects are all vulnerable and incapable of really understanding what they are signing themselves up for. As for Nigel, it can be said that he was exploited less than others, because his wife was constantly present, therefore she could control the actions of the filmmakers. And it tells us a lot; it is educational, eye opening and informative. By making such a real and baring all film, he is raising awareness about the reality of alcoholism and hopefully opening the eyes of alcoholics watching it and even doctors watching it, who can see how to help alcoholics in earlier stages. 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