(2000)
Before he began working on Dark Days, dedicated director Marc Singer lived amongst his homeless subjects for months. It is probably because of this time he spent gaining their trust that the film offers such an intimate look into their world. Though to say Dark Days is a documentary about homeless people is somewhat of a misstatement; the individuals in the film had actually erected a subterranean shantytown within the rail tunnels of New York City, complete with running water and illicitly-procured electricity for kitchen appliances.
This is a world that is largely unknown and unobserved, which is why Dark Days is an invaluable record from an anthropological standpoint. Singer provides a unique record of this community living in one of the recesses of our society. Much of what is recorded in the modern era is done by the mass media, and the thought of a major corporation sending a correspondent into tunnels to entrench themselves into this intimidating world is improbable at the least.
The story behind the camera is nearly as compelling as the narrative of the film itself. Singer’s crew was a distant departure from the unionized labor force of most cinematic productions. He empowered the denizens of this homeless camp by teaching them to be riggers, gaffers, grips, and even camera operators (a detail somehow omitted from the film itself). Considering this fact, it’s amazing that he managed to attain correct exposure, particularly given the inherent difficulty of shooting in such a dark environment.
Dark Days was shot in black and white. The grainy 16mm film suits the bleak tone of the doc. Considering his modest finances, it is surprising that he decided to work in film in general rather than video. When Singer’s budget began to dwindle, an insider at the Kodak company supplied him with nominally damaged film for free. Were it not for this act of generosity, Singer may not have been able to complete his picture.
DJ Shadow, notorious for declining licensing solicitations, agreed to lend his music to the film. His music is an incredible fit for the soundtrack. Furthermore, his name added legitimacy to this independent film made by a rookie filmmaker.
The collectivist nature of the film is a big reason why it is so extraordinary. Evidently Singer’s very motivation for making Dark Days was to help the tunnel dwellers financially. In the end, the audience is treated to a conclusion so unbelievable that it would befit a Hollywood blockbuster.
trailer * buy it here
Trivial Tidbits:
- Dark Days was awarded The Freedom of Expression Award, The Cinematography Award (Documentary) and The Audience Award (Documentary) at the Sundance Film Festival.
- Singer was born in London, England.
BBC interview with Singer
