Post by Vits on Apr 24, 2021 14:40:41 GMT
EL AGENTE TOPO (THE MOLE AGENT) has a factor that puts it above many documentaries. Instead of presenting interviews and archive footage, it presents a case that's very similar to hidden camera pranks, except that the goal isn't to mock but rather to expose a truth. The whole situation is very interesting and Sergio Chamy (the protagonist) is very loveable. However, the ending isn't satisfying. The editing leaves a lot to be desired, because almost every scene is presented in real time. There's a point where Sergio grabs a folder, opens the folder, flips the pages of the folder, hands the folder over to a woman, asks the woman questions about the folder... Why not show all of that but with the audio of the conversation on it, in order to then cut to a shot where both of them are already talking? I would applaud the effort of rehearsing, acting and filming in various takes these moments that create a realistic atmosphere if this was a fiction film... but since it isn't, the viewer knows (even if it's on a subconscious level) that leaving the camera rolling and not editing certain parts isn't a merit. Whether you call it a medium, format or genre, a documentary needs more dynamism than what's shown here. Why not cut a couple of seconds in one scene and a couple of seconds in another in order for the overall movie to be 10 minutes shorter (after all, 80 minutes is still enough to be considered a feature film).
