Pockets by James Lees

There are 13 contributors, all who tell a story about something in their pocket. The documentaries aim is to explore what that item means to them and the different stories individual people hold. James Lees uses a mix of poetic and observational film making. It appears poetic as the topic is personal to those who are interviewed, and by the use of close-ups on the items and the deep depth of field. It’s also observational as nothing is staged, and Lees is a neutral observer asking people what’s in their pockets. James Lees has inter cut interviews with closeups of the items. There is a linear narrative where we work our way along different characters and learn what this item means. I really enjoyed the film, it took a very simple idea and it took you on an interesting journey in a short amount of time. It was executed well and shows how many unique stories people hold. I thought the close ups of the items with the deep focus worked well, it allowed the viewer to look at the intricate detail of this seemingly pointless item, and deeply embrace the story whilst the interviewee is talking. This technique made the viewer think about the item slowly and appreciate what it means to that individual. If the film was cut harshly with establishing shots, it wouldn’t have allowed the film to have a personal touch, which was important to the overall theme.


Pockets. (2008). [Television]. Directed by James Lees. UK, Channel 4.