SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN CONTEXT FLASHCARDS
Who was the director? – Malik Bendijelloul
When did the film come out? – 2012
How does SFS reflect the observational mode? – we find out about Rodriguez’s fame in South
Africa the same way he does. Found footage. Not observational as the filmmaker directly
challenges the music producer on where the money has gone.
How does SFS reflect the performative mode? – we directly interview and follow the subject
who is a part of the narrative. Segerman addresses the viewer. We are physically searching for
him in the narrative.
How does SFS reflect the reflexive mode? – hand-held camera following people before
interviewing them. During the interview with Clarence, he leans forward, and his face is
shadowed by artificial lighting. Filmmaker is pushing to find out what happened.
How does SFS reflect the poetic mode? – elements of it found within the montaging of found
footage.
How does SFS reflect the participatory mode? – we can hear the filmmaker ask the questions.
Candid moment when Rodriguez asks for water.
How does SFS reflect the expository mode? – L-cuts where we can hear people talking and
there is footage that accompanies it that aligns with what they are talking about.
How does SFS reflect Todorov’s theory? – 5 stage structure (Begins as a sad story (Rodriguez
had no success in America) -> resolution (fame in South Africa) -> mystery (who is he?) ->
dilemma (why does he have no money?) -> solving the mystery (interview Rodriguez) ->
resolution (tour of south Africa)
How does SFS reflect Levi-Strauss’ theory? – Detroit feels claustrophobic and dark and cool
colouring. Cape Town has lots of vast landscapes and warm and bright colouring.
How does SFS reflect Propp’s theory? – Rodriguez is the princess, Clarence is antagonist,
Segerman is helper.
Why was it important for Bendjelloul? – it was his directorial debut
How did Bendjelloul discover the story – while travelling Africa
What awards did SFS win? - BAFTA for Best Documentary and an Academy Award for Best
Documentary feature
How long did Bendjelloul edit SFS for? – 1000 days
Why did SFS receive criticism? – Bendjelloul omitted details about Rodriguez’s fame in
Australia
What happened during filming? – Bendjelloul ran out of money and couldn’t afford his camera
so shot the remaining footage on an iPhone.
How did Bendjelloul get found footage? – Put up an ad at Segerman’s record shop
Who was the director? – Malik Bendijelloul
When did the film come out? – 2012
How does SFS reflect the observational mode? – we find out about Rodriguez’s fame in South
Africa the same way he does. Found footage. Not observational as the filmmaker directly
challenges the music producer on where the money has gone.
How does SFS reflect the performative mode? – we directly interview and follow the subject
who is a part of the narrative. Segerman addresses the viewer. We are physically searching for
him in the narrative.
How does SFS reflect the reflexive mode? – hand-held camera following people before
interviewing them. During the interview with Clarence, he leans forward, and his face is
shadowed by artificial lighting. Filmmaker is pushing to find out what happened.
How does SFS reflect the poetic mode? – elements of it found within the montaging of found
footage.
How does SFS reflect the participatory mode? – we can hear the filmmaker ask the questions.
Candid moment when Rodriguez asks for water.
How does SFS reflect the expository mode? – L-cuts where we can hear people talking and
there is footage that accompanies it that aligns with what they are talking about.
How does SFS reflect Todorov’s theory? – 5 stage structure (Begins as a sad story (Rodriguez
had no success in America) -> resolution (fame in South Africa) -> mystery (who is he?) ->
dilemma (why does he have no money?) -> solving the mystery (interview Rodriguez) ->
resolution (tour of south Africa)
How does SFS reflect Levi-Strauss’ theory? – Detroit feels claustrophobic and dark and cool
colouring. Cape Town has lots of vast landscapes and warm and bright colouring.
How does SFS reflect Propp’s theory? – Rodriguez is the princess, Clarence is antagonist,
Segerman is helper.
Why was it important for Bendjelloul? – it was his directorial debut
How did Bendjelloul discover the story – while travelling Africa
What awards did SFS win? - BAFTA for Best Documentary and an Academy Award for Best
Documentary feature
How long did Bendjelloul edit SFS for? – 1000 days
Why did SFS receive criticism? – Bendjelloul omitted details about Rodriguez’s fame in
Australia
What happened during filming? – Bendjelloul ran out of money and couldn’t afford his camera
so shot the remaining footage on an iPhone.
How did Bendjelloul get found footage? – Put up an ad at Segerman’s record shop
