Length: 03:00
Logline: Docu-stlye film about the biggest problem on the block - the amount of beef that's going down.
This is a well set up film showing that inner city yoofs do have a lighter side too. Beef: The Truth Behind London's Youth Culture was made by loads of young folk and supported by BFI's First light initiative but it doesn't have that horrible home made amateur feel or depressing anti-social message attached, which most of these schemes have. This one looks like the kids might have actually learned something and enjoyed themselves too.
This is designed to fool the audience into thinking they are watching a gritty documentary showing gang warfare on our own streets. Estates shot at night, hoodies running amuck, and the interview with respectable community worker all stick to genre conventions. It's all done in a straight forward and somber mood, giving nothing away. Some young 'gang' members talk to camera in a convincing and well acted performance so the jokey reveal does come as a surprise and lands a bigger impact thanks to the set up.
Pivotal to the facade is the background audio track used in the first half which helps evoke a serious tone and adds danger. The mixed in police sirens is a nice and subtle touch. The good quality camera picture and interesting shot compositions give the air of professionalism to the shoot. Dialogue is kept realistic and structurally advances plot in a smooth way. All in all, a good effort.
Best Bit: Superb acting.
Worst Bit: It almost reverts back to shabby youth video style in the latter half.
Final thought: That's right, get them off drugs then encourage them to gorge on heart attack inducing red meat instead.
Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.
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