When an specific event takes place that was witnessed by many people, you could ask all of them to tell them what happened and you will get different stories. Some will not only tell you the facts, but others might add extra layers explaining their feelings, the atmosphere and small details that make it come alive. Although documentaries are about real events, it is the way you tell them that can make or break a documentary. Just like any other movie it needs to be edited in the right way in order to make the viewer care about what you are seeing. A director like Werner Herzog is almost poetic in his voicovers for his documentaries and that really adds a lot. Zion, this short documentary now available on Netflix, unfortunately lacks a proper story.
Zion Clark was born without legs and raised in foster care, but has found his passion in wrestling. In such a personal story it is important to see that person striving for a goal, overcoming obstacles or getting an insight into someone’s mind. Zion has many shots showing that he’s physically different, but never goes into much detail. The short running time of just 10 minutes doesn’t allow a lot to be told but it could have looked at the issues he faces. For example when it comes to wrestling if he has an unjust advantage because someone can’t grab his legs or if there are opponents who won’t fight him. I started this up expecting a personal journey, but was surprised when the credits showed up. This felt something very factual that missed emotion.
[score6]
Great review. Thanks for the heads up. It sounds interesting despite its short running time.
I read a review which stated that the director normally does a lot of commercials and you notice it. There are a lot of staged shots and dramatic music to make you feel things…which didn’t work for me personally.