Erasing David (2010/FilmBuff/MPI DVD)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: D Film: C
Privacy
is an issue that concerns many, but too many are not concerned enough about the
issue in the most naïve ways and David Bond’s new documentary Erasing David (2010) makes one question
more seriously the situation. So, how
much of your data exists out there? In
the age of technology and modern society how much does the government know
about you? How much can anyone access
your information? Is there such thing as privacy anymore? Bond hires two private detectives to find him
before the month is out to see if he can disappear for a month and evade
detection. Will he remain unfound or
will he learn that everyone can be tracked and found?
Ever paranoid about the government? You
should be. Information about you exists
everywhere in the age of computers, cell phones, cameras, cards and IDs. It is virtually impossible to for a modern
person to survive with out the usage of some of electronic devices. Just know each time you use one, someone else
can track what you are doing. David Bond
decides to test that theory by going off grid for a month, leaving only his
name for two private detectives to search all of England for him, but I hoped this
would go further and say even more about its subject, though it has its
moments.
Sure, information and technology has made modern life easier and better, but
what happens with the abuse or error in information? If your information falls into someone else
hands (has it already?), if a report accidentally marks you as a wanted
criminal? That anyone can find you, know
you without you knowing them? And that
just all without any government technology or information? That even if you don't use any technology,
what can you do? Others can find you
through your friends, family, and even your garbage.
The anamorphically
enhanced 1.78 X 1 picture is about as good as it can look, but the location
audio here in Dolby Digital has its limits.
There are no extras.
- Ricky Chiang
