This set of observations were filmed in the city of London. Again I tried for the hypnotic quality of the earlier sets but on some shots tried to insert a simple narrative. I think this particularly worked on the shot of the bus stop. In these pure rushes i seek to recreate feeling of stopping somewhere that you never usually stop, like a busy street, and just watch life go by.
1. The first shot starts with some cyclists that appeared not to mind me filming them too much. They look like a couple. The woman looks right into the camera and then they both ride out of shot. This leaves the closest side of the road without any traffic. Then a taxi drives past and the oncoming traffic is led by a motorbike only to stop to let two men cross who show their character through the way they walk.
2. More character is shown in this shot and an aspect of self consciousness is included because incoming subjects can see that I'm filming them but want to ignore me. So they become very aware of the way they walk.
3. My favourite shot I got by waiting by a bus stop for someone to hail a bus; then a crowd to form waiting for the next bus. However the best extended moment was a man waiting then catching a bus, then another man running to catch it only for it to drive away. The new man then stands in the same place the first man was. A cycle! His disappointment is apparent even from far away and the cars driving by taunt him.
4. I like the shot at the base of the Gurkin building but I recognise that not a lot happens in it. If you look closely you can spot a little bit of contemporary confusion. A smartly dressed man tries to get into famous building through the push doors but they are locked and someone inside points at him to use the revolving door. The man can't help but lose a shred of his dignity as he confirms the person inside's instructions and goes through the revolving doors.
5. This is a shot of light shining off a rain-soaked city backstreet. A woman with a red scarf, top and carrier bag matches up to the camera. A car enters the frame from far away as she's almost left it but they leave together because of their difference in speed. A taxi drives up to the curb and lets its passengers out. I like the contrast in this shot. The bright light coming from between the buildings with the dark alcoves of the buildings.
6. This also shows a contrast. This contrasts a still couple and a balding man leaning against a wall with people crossing the street (despite the light being red!) and the general humdrum of a main street. A cycle is made as the couple and the man start out alone and end up alone after the people have gone.
7. My last shot is one of a