Analysis of James Lees 'Pockets' Documentary

James Lees channel 4 documentary 'Pockets' is a thought provoking short film about the contents of strangers pockets. A rather simple idea made into a quite effective film due to its stylised visual presentation and the personal stories behind each one. All the shots in the film are similar, using what looks like a 85mm or possibly a 50mm lens to create a short depth of field blaring out the background. The only thing in frame is either the subjects hands and the contents in them or the subjects face, all of the background is blurred out which gives it more visual style. Each little combination of shots tells a rounded story about who these individuals are, for example the woman with the crack pipe and change is seen to be a typical addict type but when we see her face we see the regret in her eyes and we see its a life she is unable to escape from. I found this film really interesting and will definitely be using similar techniques in my short film.