My Father's Camera

Although most of us think of home movies as a modern day form of torture, this National Film Board of Canada production from filmmaker Karen Shopsowitz reminds us that home movies now attract the attention of scholars throughout North America for their value in providing historical reference source material. Case in point is Shopsowitz's own father, who--in between shots of the kids opening Christmas presents--captured some great moments in history, including the D-Day landing, providing a fascinating look at the horror of war as seen through the eyes of an amateur photographer. Combining home movie footage together with interviews--ranging from members of the Toronto Film Club to a collector who hosts webcasts of new acquisitions--My Father's Camera serves up an interesting homage full of scenes that have long since disappeared from the Canadian landscape, from humorous frilly fashions to automobiles that would fetch a pretty penny if still around today. While not an essential purchase, larger collections will find this a charming and insightful addition. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Carlson)