Douglas Smith's Film blog

 Douglas Smith Biz of Film 002 10.20.20   Simon Wincer's 1989 Western  Lonesome Dove  is a story that seems to come right out of history and onto the screen. While the acting, set design and cinematography may seem to reflect the craft of the 1980's in an obvious way, it becomes clear that what really matters about this piece is the characters and locations themselves. Set in a world that feels familiar yet has long ceased to exist,  Lonesome Dove  stands on its own as a uniquely Southwestern epic built upon stylistic realism, movement, and studied characterization.                                                                   ...

  Douglas Smith Biz of Film 002 Roma Review 9.21.20   Alfonso Cuaron’s 2018 film Roma not only artistically captures the raw essence of !970’s Mexico City, but it also tells a realistically emotional story of class and the human condition through strong characterization, incredible cinematography, and an impressive sense of world space. For a good many people this film probably did not seem incredibly relatable, but it is for those who can identify with it that a true triumph of cinema is achieved. Through its centralization of the indigenous working class experience, Roma brings into focus a telling part of reality which in most entertainment is still yet largely unrecognized today despite the millennia of people who have lived lives closely similar to Cleo’s.                                    ...

Melina Matsoukas’ Crime and Romance Drama Queen and Slim addresses issues of modern-day racism and police brutality by plunging viewers into an American landscape defined by its people, values, and judgments. A somewhat rare portrayal of African Americans and their frequent societal treatment as outsiders, the film forges a telling narrative reminiscent of the past, present, and possible future. Though critics may describe the film as lacking realism in certain aspects, the piece overall does not exhibit a great deal of hubris in regard to itself. Rather, the directing and acting techniques used within usher the story along to its seemingly inevitable conclusion far from its origin geographically and emotionally.                                               ...

Douglas Smith Business of Film 002 Apollo 13 Review August 30 th , 2020   Ron Howard’s 1995 space docudrama film Apollo 13 provides audiences with a big budget technical marvel that through its drama and sentimentality seeks not only to entertain viewers but also to emotionally invest them in its theatrically adapted historical plot. Overall, it largely accomplishes this goal, though perhaps at the risk of putting off some viewers who are not as into the “gushiness” they may interpret in some scenes. Aided by points of moral seriousness and brief comedy, as in Kevin Bacon’s character, the film levels out emotionally enough to form a decent representation of the human condition, which while not specifically dwelled on all that much still comes to light through small gestures in moments of crisis.                          The film, taking place largely ei...

  Amateur filmmaker, editor and photojournalist Douglas Smith has been specifically interested in the subject of film for the past few years. He has spent time learning about the craft working on film sets, as well as in school and on his own time with individual projects. His YouTube channel Ausbhidio showcases his work.His most recent project, his longest yet, was filmed over the course of 3 months and includes many observational scenes in Austin, Texas including its beautiful nature and summertime Black Lives Matter protests.  After obtaining a film degree at Texas state University in San Marcos, Douglas hopes to one day potentially work as a cinematographer, documentarian, camera operator or other involved film worker. https://dimsfilmsanmarcos.blogspot.com/