In the 1970's the British tabloids and indeed the world was set alight by the most convincing pictures of the Loch Ness Monster ever taken. All the shots were taken by photographer Frank Searle and they brought him as much fame as they did to the monster. However the scientific community were doubtful to say the least even those who were also looking for the monster were less than complimentary about Searle and his work. In 1984, against a background of violence, threats and intrigue, Frank Searle simply disappeared and was never heard from again. Director Andrew Tullis travels to Loch Ness to try and understand the enigma of Frank Searle.
Although the film proposes to be investigating the disappearance of Frank Searle but, in reality, it doesn't do a good job of that aspect. The final five minutes or so provides a revelation but not one that is that satisfying. However this is not what the majority of the film is about, because for the most part this builds the mystery by looking back on the history of the man and his story. In doing this it is fascinating because the story itself is so fascinating. Only being born in the mid-1970's, I was aware of the photos that Searle took but not of the man or the story around his time at Loch Ness, so for the whole film I was engaged by the tale. It is not amazing but it is very interesting and intriguing; the film doesn't have all the answers but it does record the history very well.
It must have been hard to pull together but the film impressive by editing the story together so that, despite covering decades, it is effectively condensed and flows really well. Tullis' narration is sparing and although he appears in front of the camera at times he doesn't ever fall into the trap of elevating himself to the point of presenter instead he steps back and allows Searle to be totally the focus. And he is a worthy focus because he is such a mystery and a character and the fact that the film never gets even close to the bottom of his story ironically strengthens the appeal of the film.
Overall a fascinating film thanks to the nature of the story. It is well put together and flows as a story to effectively convey the unusual nature of the time and the man. I knew nothing about the man or the story and I was fascinated from start to finish I can only imagine that it will have a similar effect on those that do remember the man and his pictures. An interesting and engaging piece of modern history.
Although the film proposes to be investigating the disappearance of Frank Searle but, in reality, it doesn't do a good job of that aspect. The final five minutes or so provides a revelation but not one that is that satisfying. However this is not what the majority of the film is about, because for the most part this builds the mystery by looking back on the history of the man and his story. In doing this it is fascinating because the story itself is so fascinating. Only being born in the mid-1970's, I was aware of the photos that Searle took but not of the man or the story around his time at Loch Ness, so for the whole film I was engaged by the tale. It is not amazing but it is very interesting and intriguing; the film doesn't have all the answers but it does record the history very well.
It must have been hard to pull together but the film impressive by editing the story together so that, despite covering decades, it is effectively condensed and flows really well. Tullis' narration is sparing and although he appears in front of the camera at times he doesn't ever fall into the trap of elevating himself to the point of presenter instead he steps back and allows Searle to be totally the focus. And he is a worthy focus because he is such a mystery and a character and the fact that the film never gets even close to the bottom of his story ironically strengthens the appeal of the film.
Overall a fascinating film thanks to the nature of the story. It is well put together and flows as a story to effectively convey the unusual nature of the time and the man. I knew nothing about the man or the story and I was fascinated from start to finish I can only imagine that it will have a similar effect on those that do remember the man and his pictures. An interesting and engaging piece of modern history.
