Why film Devil's Playground?

Why film Devil's Playground?

       Lucy Walker directed Devil's Playground in 2002. The documentary focuses on a few specific Amish teenagers who experience living the "American life" before they either decide or decline to become part of the Amish community for life.    

       I found Lucy's work with the Amish to be beyond real. Never for a moment did I feel as though she was trying to push across a political message or even her own personal bias of the Amish. Instead I was brilliantly informed about the struggle that Amish teenagers experience when they go through what the Amish community calls "Rumspringa". Rumspringa is a time when the young Amish, usually around the age of 14 or 16, are allowed to break free from the Amish traditions and rules before they officially decide that they want to be baptized and become part of the Amish church. In simple terms, they are allowed to party, drink, smoke, own cars, wear normal clothes, and indulge in any other American normality that the Amish consider "sinful".

       After watching the documentary I could only bring myself to ask one question: Why was Lucy motivated to create a documentary about these teenagers? What inspired someone like her to inform others about this mysterious Amish religion?

The Answer:

       Lucy Walker is not new to the world of documentaries. She has been producing and directing documentaries since 2002 with an abundant amount of success. Devil's Playground was surprisingly the first film that she ever directed. 

       I researched information on Lucy's work with the Amish and found an interview of her regarding the documentary that was insightful and inspiring. The link to the interview is posted below for your own personal interest if you would like a chance to read it for yourself. 

       In the interview, Lucy states that she became interested in the Amish after watching "Witness", a movie about a young Amish boy who witnesses a murder. From that point on Lucy's curiosity had been sparked. She stated, "I couldn't understand how these people could preserve their culture while they were surrounded by American culture." Lucy was also puzzled and astonished by how many Amish teenagers actually chose to go back to their roots and commit to the Amish community for life. 

       Lucy pondered the question, "What is it that brings them back?" It was this question that ultimately lead her to begin her documentary on this fascinating Amish tradition. 

       In order to investigate for herself the Amish and specifically the teenagers that experience Rumspringa Lucy had to earn the trust of the Amish, which was no easy task. She experienced numerous difficulties, but remained persistent. The end result was worth every hour she spent talking with the Amish families and their teenagers, the documentary was a success and has since it production, educated and inspired many that would have never heard about the subject if it wasn't for Lucy.

Want more?

Link to Lucy Walker's Interview

Link to Lucy Walker's Website

Photos: 

Lucy Walker's head shot.

Lucy Walker filming.

The Documentary cover for Devil's Playground.

A scene from Devil's Playground  of teenagers on Rumspringa.

Another scene from the documentary of two Amish teenagers experiencing freedom through dating.

Grizzly Man

My perspective on Werner Herzog's documentary Grizzly Man: 

          After watching Grizzly Man, I have a new perspective on grizzly bears. I never thought in a million years that one man could become so close to an animal of such great power and danger. I enjoyed watching the documentary, it was very well done.
          I appreciated the fact that the documentary contained both sides of the story. The side that Timothy took which defended the bears and was attempting to protect them and then the side that many others publicly claimed, that Timothy was insane and got what he deserved. I would say that I fall right in the middle of these two opinions. I believe that Timothy was very sincere, he believed with his whole heart that he could become friends with these animals. But then I also believe that he was in a very dangerous position while he was documenting the bears and without doubt, his destiny was determined by his "friends" or the bears. 
          It seems as though he died doing what he loved, but when he died, it proved exactly against what he was attempting to prove. It was very contradictory. He died trying to prove that these bears were friendly and that they were just misunderstood. 
          One of my favorite things about the documentary was the love that Timothy expressed toward the camera about the bears. It wasn't just the bears that Timothy loved either, it was every animal. He lamented over a bumblebees death and enjoyed spending time with the wild foxes that he became very attached to. Below is a clip from the documentary which best shows Timothy's feelings toward all of his dear friends. 

          I feel as though the bears gave his life meaning and for that, he would be eternally grateful to them and attempt to protect them as best he could. Overall, I enjoyed watching Timothy do what he loved and I think he accomplished a life he would be proud to call his own.