I'm working my way through all of Jennings' films as contained in the three-volume Blu-ray set "The Complete Humphrey Jennings". The films appear to be getting poorer towards the end of the set, and this offering, "The Good Life" (Part 6 from "The Changing Face of Europe"), confirms the downward trajectory.
Whereas most of the earlier offerings had narration that verged on the poetic, music that had the power to move, images that mesmerised, and storylines that were engaging, this 18 minute film, though competently enough put together, never rises above the pedestrian. It is simply telling a story that needed to be told, but in a rather forgettable style.
I found the most interesting part to be the section on malaria and Lord Byron (12 minutes into the film). And I've learnt something, so that's a positive. Not only did they spray DDT in the fields - and it looks like the researcher taking samples from a pond is also going to cop the spray - there are scenes of spraying DDT inside homes, a process known as "Indoor Residual Spraying" or IRS. It's a technique approved by the World Health Organisation, but Avertino Barreto, Mozambique's chief of infectious disease control, says: "Whoever suggests DDT use (indoors), I say, 'Fine, I'll start spraying in your house first.' "
I can't comment on the remainder of "The Changing Face of Europe" as I've only seen Part 6. But if that is representative of the whole, then it will be an historically interesting film, but not very inspiring.
