Terminal Bar by Stefan Nadelman is a short film documenting a corner in Times Square New York. Stefan Nadelman’s father was a bartender and he spent ten years taking photographs of people who came to Terminal Bar. The film tells the history and stories of the bar through portraits. As well as documenting 1972-1982 in this specific place through black and white photos, we get a biography from Sheldon Nadelman (Stefan’s father). He gives an account of these ten years and the background of the people in the photos. I imagine this would be a very interesting project for Stefan as he learns about his father’s past.

From this interest in his father’s life and the chance to collaborate together they probably started this project looking through Sheldon’s photographs. Then having Sheldon give his account on who the people where and in chronological order. Doing their own contextual research, I’m sure, was critical in reflecting the mood and feel of the 70’s on screen. This in-depth research and the accounts from Sheldon attributed to the choice of music, narrator, sound effects and pace of the film.

The film follows this pattern of stills, voice over and video, telling the journey of the bar. Working in a chronological time frame works well and gives the film flow. I think it’s important to take this away and use it in my own practise to create a project that is easy to follow and has a start and an end. Looking at somethings history or background and discovering hidden narratives through contextual research could lead to exciting outcomes.