Murmuration from Islands & Rivers on Vimeo.
I have been watching this little video nonstop this week, as I find it compelling, inspiring and comforting. The stunning phenomenon of the murmuration is itself worth watching, but what these young filmmakers–who collectively call themselves Islands and Rivers–have done with it enhances the wonder of the moment.
First, their quiet opening, with no music, just the calm chit chat of two young women in a canoe. We hear the lapping of the water, the ruffle of wind. They actually use stills to build their scene before the video really begins and we start to see the birds.
Second, their choice of music is simply great. The free-flowing jazz score is the perfect accompaniment to the tumultuous roiling of birds, itself a living organism made up of thousands of individual organisms. And the little gasps of wonder and delight from the girls that bleed through the music are a nice touch as well.
And then as soon as it begins, it’s over, and back to the beginning; two girls quietly in a canoe, but awed by what they have just witnessed. And we as well. It’s an enthralling, satisfying story arc, all in the space of two minutes with minimal equipment. Inspiring example of what’s possible.
What I love about this piece is what you said, it begins like it ends, with the two girls paddling the canoe out on the lake. Nothing but natural sound and their laughing. This piece is also great because it shows that a story and great scene can happen anytime anywhere, it’s not always something you are prepared for or set up.
I totally love this video! I think it’s a really creative way to recreate and kind of set up a story when all you have to work with is a few stills and some amazing footage. You can see that their process might have been selecting stills that would be good for the opening, then the amazing video, ending with laughter and water sounds. Really well done for a spur of the moment capture.