1. The principle subject of this documentary is to discuss the addiction of World of Warcraft by Anthony. Its purpose is to highlight his addiction, with the hope of helping others get over the same addiction held by many that play video games. It is filmed to critique the nature of the addiction, and hopes to assist those to move past the addiction.
 |
| Figure 1 |
 |
| figure 2 |
2. This documentary opens with the quote seen in figure 1, giving an initial context as to the meaning and relevance of the documentary as a form of expression. In addition, the filmmaker later conveys a lot of information at once when he overlays multiple audio bits discussing his accomplishments in the game, but mostly uses an informal monologue with the viewer recounting his story. Additionally, he uses shots of his screen as he plays the game (figure 2) and still images of his own life (figure 3) to create a parallel between real life and the gaming world.
 |
| figure 3 |
3. As previously stated, the filmmaker doesn't have actual footage besides his gameplay footage. This is done because it emphasizes the parallels between his real life and his game world. The filmmaker does this because it helps him to accentuate the problems that strike society as more and more individuals are becoming addicted to video games. Therefore, his choice to only use stills for his life separates it from his gaming life, as he attempts to show how much better his life is now without the game.
4. This documentary is done entirely through voiceover, there is no footage of the filmmaker talking directly to the camera. His commentary mostly criticizes is own choices, which serves well with the visuals placed in for the gaming world. The visuals and commentary together further accentuates his need to escape from the shackles of his gaming addiction.
 |
| figure 4 |
5. One powerful symbol I found was in the scene where he displays the messages the female he met over the game (figure 4) and when he lies to his friend to get out of going out (figure 5). These symbolized the extent to which his addiction had taken over his life. By not having voiceovers here, the filmmaker allows the viewer to experience the shock at the extent of his addiction, and how much control it truly had over his life.
 |
| figure 5 |
6. Already answered
7. The film features no other voiceovers other than that of the filmmaker, and doesn't cite outside sources except the opening quote that gave context the documentary without showing any shots yet.
 |
| figure 6 |
 |
| figure 7 |
8. My favorite use of his gameplay footage and graphics is shown in figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 highlights what i consider the most important and powerful graphic, that he started playing warcraft on valentines day, and has been single for 6 years. The following shot, figure 7, displays the in game sadness at his loneliness. These shots worked in tandem to lead to him getting over his addiction, and living his life among the living not the virtual.
9. Doesn't directly address camera.
10. There is little to no staging done as it is game footage and still images. I enjoy the close up in figure 7 however.
11. As previously stated, his edit creates a parallel between reality and the virtual world and argues how pathetic his life is with warcraft at the center of his universe. There are more shots of his gameplay than of himself, as even the first shots of the filmmaker show him living his addiction. Later however, we see him enjoying himself and having fun and multiple images are displayed. By editing in this way, he guides the audience along his journey of addiction, helping show the audience how he is able to overcome his addiction and emerge as a better person without the game controlling his life as the game footage controlled most of the documentary.
12. Music is only used in the initial opening scene, and is used to build suspense and help build upon the context from the opening shot of the quote.
13. Very little cinematic choices are made regarding the filming, as a majority of his message is conveyed through the shot choice, edit, and voiceover.
14. I find the film very effective. I felt attached to Anthony, and was happy when I discovered his journey to rid himself of his addiction had succeeded. I was able to connect well with him, and felt he did an excellent job conveying his problem, and showing how others can move past their addictions like he did and live a better life after. i felt his film was triumphant enough to reach out to other forms of addiction, and help those suffering from other addictions, a true success of a documentary as it can transcend many addictions. However, I feel even just one direct shot of Anthony talking to the camera could've deepened the connection with the audience, but that is my only critique.
