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Hardly ever you see a bird in the sky change its mind, swerve, back. This poem by Judith Herzberg perfectly fits this portrait of the important poet, playwright and dramatist. In her voice-over, director Saskia van Schaik's explains that the two know each other well: Herzberg used to baby-sit Van Schaik. Gradually, they appear to have envisaged different movies: Herzberg would rather see the spotlight on the sources of inspiration for her work, while Van Schaik wants to portray the person behind it. But for this, the latter is too conscious of the illusionary danger in certain shots. Frankly she explains that she is annoyed being filmed while putting some tomatoes on a platter. She did so because the refrigerator was full, whereas people may now assume she did it for show. Zooming in on her personal items - paintings, photographs, books - is also forbidden. Suppose the camera shows books she was about to throw away soon? The spectator would get a distorted idea of her. Eventually, the tussle between subject and director does bring out Herzberg a little.

Credits

Set geluid
TV company
VPRO TV

Title: Bijna nooit... Judith Herzberg
Year: 2007
Duration : 53 minutes
Category: Short Documentary
Edition: NFF 2007

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