Nanfu Wang mets Dylan at a hostel in Florida. She found his story of being homeless by choice compelling enough to follow him around. That’s the way this movie, I Am Another You, is initially expressed, but the documentary is broken into three distinct chapters that paint a rich narrative of the filmmaker and Dylan.
I Am Another You is a compelling documentary
Dylan is around 22-years-old when the Wang begins filming him. He was working at the hostel in exchange for the roof over his head, but soon the two venture back to the streets where Dylan feels “free.” The first act focuses on this element of the story. Wang eating out of the trash can for th first time, relying on the kindness of strangers, and sleeping wherever they can. This could have been a compelling film if it were all it was. However, Dylan and Wang have an argument about bagels that leads to her ending this journey.
It’s in Chapter II that the documentary the audience is watching actually reveals itself. Interviews with Dylan’s family back in Utah a few years after Wang had spent time with him reveals more about who he is. Interviews with his father are emotional and Wang isn’t afraid to let the silence linger as he chokes back the tears. It paints a picture of a man who didn’t know how to deal with his son so allowed him the freedom to travel the country. Whether that is a good choice is left for the audience to decide.
The film narrative that Wang crafts is impressive. The evolution of her filmmaking is evident in the four or five years that span through the documentary. The camerawork at the beginning of the film is not as good as her final sequences. In chapter three she takes some creative liberties and breaks away from the traditional fly on the wall style.
Final thoughts…
While it’s is a compelling watch, there are some questions left unanswered or at least with less than satisfying outcomes. This documentary is compelling and introduces some artistic elements not always included in a film like this. If given the chance to check out this film it is definitely recommended. I Am Another You is a Decent Watch.
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