The Misery Line
From the Archives
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Documentary, Comedy, Short Films, 19-Apr-2024
Tired of everyone ignoring her, a filmmaker rides the London Underground from one end to the other. Julia Mervis directs “The Misery Line,” a quaint and comedic satirical documentary on modern commuter-culture and transit. Dressed in her sized-up suit and red tie, Mervis makes it clear that she wants to find out what’s keeping people apart. From High Barnett to Morden, she breaks the barrier by interviewing her fellow riders. From question to question, commuters share their thoughts on the transit system, its pros and cons, feelings of alienation, and the spontaneity of what could happen. With its lo-fi form and Mervis’s wry commentary, the film is an entertaining look at regular commuters and their issues with socializing in public. -JM. -Director: Julia Mervis. Composer: Theresa Masters. Sound Mix: Lucas Renelleau. Assistance from: Solal Bauer, Yi Wang.
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