Directors: Andrew Gray, Adam Gray
Runtime: 82 min
Rating: 14A
In the midst of a news story that would thrill America, Andrew and Adam Gray, two documentary filmmakers who have covered diverse stories throughout their careers, knew that the story of Colton-Harris Moore was one that they had to recount. Full of gaps and elements of mystery, the story of the “Barefoot Bandit” would give them an excellent opportunity to shed light on a tale familiar to many, but with details that most have never had the chance to hear. Chosen to be the closing film at TIFF’s Next Wave Film Festival, the documentary is an adventurous experience that might even inspire the viewer.
Colton-Harris Moore was a teenage criminal who managed to evade various security forces for three years before he was actually captured and accused of burglary. Throughout his “career” he managed to become an urban legend, garnering the attention of thousands who despised him, but many more who admired his ability. The documentary is an exploration of his past and his ability to go unnoticed, and a chronicle of the ineffectiveness of the police and their struggle to catch him. The film combines animation, recreation, and real footage that covered the story.
The concept of mixed media in Fly Colt Fly is the film’s most interesting aspect. Watching the animation transition seamlessly into the live action is not only pleasing to the eye, but something refreshing that is not often experienced in feature films. The animation style, however, might not be everybody’s cup of tea, since the movements are a tad mechanical. However, the style suits the film in the sense that it gives it an air of playfulness to compliment the already whimsical premise of the work.
This film examines Colton’s antics in an almost admiring manner. It plays out on that thin line often seen in documentaries where the spectator must determine whether the criminal portrayed is despicable, or if it is absolutely possible to relate to them, and even to enjoy what is shown on screen. There is no doubt that Colton did wrong, but as the audience proves, it is useless to resist admiring the teenager’s determination and prowess. The perspectives seen in the documentary are mostly those available to the media, which the directors carefully collected throughout the years. Although there are interviews with some members of his family, as well as friends and acquaintances, the actual information regarding Colton is very limited, giving the story a heavier air of mystery.
Despite its interesting premise, the film does drag on. Some segments and interviews seem quite unnecessary, and there is certainly an element of repetition regarding Colton and his dynamic with police forces. The expectation created at the beginning of the documentary slowly diminishes, as the search for conclusion takes quite a while to arrive. It’s interesting, however, to see the perspectives of many people who managed to interact with Colton in some way, so the wait is worth it in that respect. For a spectator unfamiliar with this story, the film is sure to be a treat, but any expectations of actually delving into the mind of the barefoot bandit should sadly be abandoned.
