Unseen: The Lives of Looking

Unseen: The Lives of Looking is a revolutionary film that delves into the intriguing concept of the "act of looking". Crafted under the proficient direction of Dryden Goodwin, this 2015 creation serves as an exploration of the means and consequences of close observation and concerns itself with the refined detail and delicate appreciation that manifests from this particular human ability.

This unique and efficient fusion of animation, live-action, sound design, and music predominantly follows the trajectories of three professionals, who interestingly reside at the poles of a diverse spectrum. These professionals, each immersed in their respective fields of human anatomy, forensics, and astronomy, are deeply invested in their pursuits that demand an intense, calculated, and discerning regard. Alongside, Goodwin's own perspective is also beautifully interspersed in the triangular narrative, making it a quartet of observational journeys.

The first narrative canvas features a human-eye surgeon based in London, specifically specialized in retinal surgery. The film sublimely presents a balanced ensemble of his operating sessions, delicate procedures performed under a microscope, as well as his use of revolutionary ophthalmological equipment. In this narrative, the audience gets an in-depth insight into a profession that studies the very organ responsible for the act of looking, thereby establishing a philosophically profound paradox which underscores the film.

In the second narrative, the audience gets a hauntingly realistic portrayal of a forensic investigator. Goodwin shines a light on this field that tasks its specialists with the challenge and responsibility of deciphering the invisible tales left behind at a crime scene. The dimension of scrutiny that the film brings about in this narrative is almost intrusive and unsettling, yet otherwise captivating.

The third narrative shoots off into the cosmos with an observatory based astronomer, analysing celestial bodies and patiently mapping the galaxies. Contrasting with the other profiles, the canvas here is exceedingly vast, forcing the audience into an awe-induced surrender before the infinite expanse of the cosmos.

The film creates a sense of intimacy and personal connection to each subject through use of extreme close-ups, intense scrutiny of the details of their work, their tools, and interactions with their environments. The musical score contributes to this feeling of intimacy as it weaves dreamlike sequences and slow, sensual movements through stark realities of professional observation.

Finally, tying these three diverse spheres together is the critically acclaimed artist and filmmaker Dryden Goodwin himself, who uses drawing as his principal mode of looking. His presence is perpetuated in the form of animated sketches, beautifully intertwined with the live-action narration. In fact, the film was made over a course of four years where Goodwin, a well-established engraver, not only draws these looking-professionals but extends his strokes to their worlds as well.

In some of the most powerful scenes, the audience sees Goodwin's hands sketching the picture in harmony with his voice-over, rendering an insight into his creative process. His narration is not just about the lives of his subjects, but also touches upon his own journey, inspirations, and observations, lending another layer of depth and intrigue as he explores different forms of seeing, perceiving, and understanding.

Unseen: The Lives of Looking is brilliant in its conceptualization, direction, and execution. It transcends traditional boundary lines of categorization and stands in a category of its own, unapologetically unconventional, bold in its portrayal and poetically profound. With minimalist dialogue, it communicates majorly through visual and auditory cues, establishing an almost tangible connection with the audience. This film not only challenges the traditional norms of storytelling but also rejuvenates a newfound reverence for the act of looking.

Goodwin’s message is simple yet impactful - a call to slow down and truly see and appreciate the world around us, to look deeper, closer, and more perceptively. Unseen: The Lives of Looking is more than a film; it is an exploration, an experience - a secular sermon preaching the religion of observation. It is an invitation to the audience to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of existence and embrace every fleeting detail around them, truly and profoundly unseen. It is a film that incites a renewed reverence for observation and consideration of how we see and interact with our world and beyond.