This module’s hot topic article “Parents ‘crossed a line’ in U.S. college scandal, prosecutor tells jury” by Nate Raymond reminded me of the Netflix documentary Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal. I eagerly watched the documentary when it premiered in 2021 because I had heard of the case and was interested in learning more about it. I enjoy most of Netflix’s documentaries and think the director is an amazing storyteller. The director of Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal is Chris Smith who also directed Fyre the documentary about the failure of Fyre Festival. He produced Tiger King and directed Sr. the documentary about Robert Downey Sr. He works closely with Netflix and is responsible for many of Netflix’s greatest documentaries.
I think that Smith is an amazing director and producer because he manages to navigate the ethical ramifications of telling difficult stories in an entertaining yet respectful way. It is clear to me, as a fan and someone who has watched many of Smith’s films, that he prioritizes delicately telling sensitive stories. He manages to captivate and honestly tell a well-rounded story. After being reminded of the college scandal documentary and learning that so many of the documentaries I have enjoyed that tie back to topics discussed in class were directed by Smith, I wanted to know more about him. In an interview with the Academy of Motion Pictures, he said, “Every film is a window into another perspective, another life, which is an opportunity for you to learn and grow,” I think this gives great perspective into his psyche and morals. He doesn’t go into projects trying to expose people or ruin their lives, he goes into projects to learn and tell a raw, transparent story.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81130691
https://aframe.oscars.org/what-to-watch/post/chris-smith-5-movies-that-shaped-me-as-a-filmmaker