“Kalamazoo, River: US” premieres at the Rave

By Sebastian Fryer
Western Herald

Matt Dunstone finally unveiled his quirky documentary, that was seven years in the making, “Kalamazoo, River: US.”  The musical docu-comedy was shown at Rave Motion Pictures on Oct. 24.

The film discusses the history of the Kalamazoo River and the effect industries have had on it.  Utilizing two dueling narrators – one for the side of nature and one for the side of industry – the film throws a wrench in the typical documentary format.

When Dunstone described the film as “nothing you’d ever seen before,” he was completely right.  “Kalamazoo, River: US” is not the everyday documentary.

While it mostly follows typical documentary format, the film often strays into unusual territory.  For instance, don’t be caught off guard when the narrator of the film starts to sing, or when the film cuts to a fake music video, or when the dueling narrators eventually face off in a dance battle.

The film was produced on a very tight budget, so don’t go in expecting Michael Moore production values or Hollywood explosions.  Thankfully, Dunstone and company make due with what little they have.

Although the film goes for something different, when we’re being taught the history of a city and its river, “Kalamazoo, River: US” really shines.  Dunstone was able to incorporate footage of old Kalamazoo River documentaries, pictures, and records of the city.  Also featured in the movie are a few talking-head interviews with people involved with the nitty-gritty of the river, including Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney.

Comedy is a nice change of pace for a documentary, but there could be a reason why most films follow a more serious tone.  Instead of utilizing a silly music video, that time could be spent on an interview with a well-informed member of a community, or a better rundown of the history of paper mills in southwest Michigan.

Nevertheless, “Kalamazoo, River: US” is an experience not to be missed.  The film breaks the mold of the usual documentary, and, while it could be more informative, there is no doubt that audience members come out of the theater knowing more about their city than before.

After the film, Dunstone held a question and answer session.  The film was attended mostly by Kalamazoo residents, and the sense of community was clear.  If Dunstone didn’t know the answer to a question about the river, he’d shoot the question over to a friend in the audience, who would then pick up the discussion.

“Kalamazoo, River: US” will have its next showings at Kalamazoo 10 on Nov. 5 and 6.  It will then be screened at Martini’s on Nov. 14.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Oct 26 2009. Filed under A & E. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
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