Drylanders Strength And Weaknesses In Terms Of Telling

‘Drylanders’ of 1962
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‘Drylanders’ of 1962
‘Drylanders’ is a film produced in 1962 by a film maker Don Haldane. It is a Canadian film and its setting and plot is Canadian prairies in the period of 1930s which were greatly occasioned by the great depression and harsh drought seasons. The film focuses on the hardships faced by the communities trying to cope with the problems of the arid land. The story revolves around a young couple who has a dream of establishing a successful farm in the dry lands despite having a lot of challenges which includes financial problems, environmental hardships and internal conflicts with other farmers of the region. For the determined

It remains a powerful tool because of the following strengths it portrays as a film. Authenticity is evident since the film authentically portrays the challenges faced by the Canadian farmers during that period and it clearly shows the harsh realities of Agricultural life in that period and the farmer’s resilience.
In addition, the film also has a cinematic approach where Don Haldane combines both documentary techniques and artistic elements. This combination brings an effect of sinking and thriving through the emotions brought out in the documentary.
Moreover, the director applies historical significance since it provides an essential Canadian history of farmers who struggled and triumphed in the harsh conditions and therefore opening door to the unknown Canadian history.
Also, the film employs human connection since the film talks of farmers’ individual experiences which allows audience to develop a deep sense of empathy and connection hence the film becomes more relatable to a huge range of viewers.

The film also lacks diversity since it only focusses on suffering of white farmers thereby neglecting stories of indigenous communities or other marginalised communities which may have played a major role in the Agricultural history of the place.
The limitation of lengthy presentation is also seen in this film where some viewers may find the pacing and length of the film too slow especially in the absence of traditional narrative structure. It also becomes a limitation to those viewers who prefer faster pacing stories and films.
It also has a weakness of limited contemporary relevance since as a historical documentary it may lack relevance to the contemporary viewers who are modern and so they lack the specific historical concepts. Therefore the film will require supplementary information to bridge the gap between the film’s release in the 1960s and the modern viewers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Film as a Medium for Telling this History