Movie spotlight
On Screen
Analog video was not only an alternative to more expensive motion picture film for artists. It was also a viable new medium with specific attributes all its own. In On Screen, characteristics such as video snow and audio static become more pronounced and distorted with each subsequent version of the artist within the “TV” frame. As Lynda Benglis performs a sequence of pulling faces for the camera in triplicate, we become aware that the performance is based on memory, sometimes faulty—a kind of symbiotic conflation of artist and machine.
Insights
Plot Summary
This British documentary offers a raw and unflinching look at the lives of several young men in London during the early 1970s. It follows their struggles with unemployment, poverty, and their search for identity and purpose. The film captures intimate moments of their daily lives, their aspirations, and their disillusionment with society. It is a poignant portrayal of working-class youth facing uncertain futures.
Critical Reception
On Screen was noted for its gritty realism and its sympathetic yet unsentimental portrayal of its subjects. Critics praised its observational style and its ability to capture the authentic voices and experiences of the young men. While not a commercial blockbuster, it was recognized as a significant social documentary of its time, offering a valuable glimpse into the lives of marginalized youth.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its authentic and unflinching portrayal of working-class youth.
Recognized for its observational documentary style.
Considered a significant social commentary of its era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'On Screen' (1972) is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Michael Apted, the director, would later go on to direct the influential 'Up' series of documentaries, which revisited many of the same subjects at various stages of their lives over decades.
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