My First and Last Film

My First and Last Film is a poignant independent documentary that was released in 2019 by critically acclaimed filmmaker, Tracey Thomas. The film has managed to gain significant acclaim and attention due to its authentic storytelling style, personal connection, and its chronological filming approach. The 90-minute feature-length documentary conveys a vivid life's portrayal that evokes a profound realization of the inevitability of ageing and the reflections that come along with it.

My First and Last Film takes the audience on a unique, compelling journey that becomes a rich tapestry of self-discovery, camaraderie, tragedy and personal introspection. At its core, this film is Tracey's own exploration of life and death, artfully filmed through the lens of a person reviving her passion for film making after retirement.

The film begins with Tracey, an accomplished working-fashion model, actress, and independent filmmaker, embarking on an ambitious project; one that intertwines her life's journey with others around her, primarily focusing on her relationship and friendship with her 80-year-old friend named Theo. The initial intent is to create a blend of two movies; one from her younger self and the other chronicling her explorations at the matured age of 60, thereby creating a constructive dialogue between her past and present.

Tracey’s attempt to bridge the gap between her own experience as a young woman and her life as she ages serves as the film's central arc. The technique of infusing scenes from her archive work with the present day adds a certain depth and continuity to the overall narrating style. The audience is allowed a unique, intimate glimpse into Tracey's world, as she views it in retrospect and in real-time, providing a stark contrast between the experiences of youth and old age.

Throughout the film, viewers witness a deep bond forming between Tracey and Theo, plausibly due to their shared passion for exploring the human condition and their common acceptance of ageing and its inevitabilities. With Theo as a companion, Tracey dives deep into the realm of mortality, ageism, friendship and love, inducing elements of humour, melancholy, affection, and vulnerability, thereby making the narrative personally relatable to the audience.

In the midst of filming, an unexpected event turns the narrative on its head, pushing the project in an entirely different direction. This dramatic twist leads to many unfathomable questions about life, death, and everything in between while propelling the documentary to a whole new level of intense discovery and understanding.

One of the documentary's noteworthy aspects is its unique candid filming approach, ranging from the use of grainy black and white archive video footage to lushly detailed and visually vibrant present-day shots. The film's soundtrack, filled with a combination of thoughtfully placed music and the occasional silence, further amplifies the emotional experiences and reflexive moments throughout the film.

Additionally, the abstract inclusion of diverse characters from dissimilar backgrounds highlights the universal experience of aging and mortality, presenting all as an equal part of life's journey. These extraneous elements of My First and Last Film bolster the film's central theme and create an atmosphere of realism and emotional depth that is uncommon in most traditional film structures.

The film overall, through its honest portrayal and introspective narrative, opens up discussions around subjects usually shied away from in the public sphere. My First and Last Film is an evocative tribute to life and a powerful exploration of the human condition. Thomas's bold and brave approach to various subjects strikes an incredible balance between wit and wisdom, producing a true gem that resonates with viewers well after the credits roll.

In conclusion, My First and Last Film is not just a film but an elaborative, enlightening, and deeply personal journey. It is thought-provoking and helps viewers appreciate what they have, reflect upon life's fleeting moments, and prepare for the inevitability of age and demise.