by Arran Munro
Within the first scene of the documentary Tickled, we are introduced to the pop culture reporter, narrator, and co-director David Farrier. Immediately, the film presents itself as a similar entertainment piece as the ones Farrier is accustomed to reporting, with a quirky filming style and premise.
As someone who has “…made a career looking at the weird and bizarre side of life” he certainly found the right topic in the form of Jane O’Brien media, a company that conducts “professional endurance tickling”.
However, the film quickly takes a dark turn as the alleged Jane O’Brien begins to antagonise and troll both Farrier and co-director Dylan Reeve. The duo then begin to become entangled in an increasingly creepy web of lies and mysterious death threats in pursuit of the truth behind the tickling business.
As many critics promise, this film does not end with the light-hearted and funny air that it began with.
With little to compare it to, this film delivers a unique story that is easy to digest and engage with. It is both disturbingly comical and refreshing in its execution. Overall, Tickled is an entertaining yet surprisingly poignant depiction of the infinite dangers of the internet and how truly corrupting power can be.
Both Reeve’s and Farrier’s determination to complete the documentary are never in doubt with the lengths that they appear to go through in order to find appropriate sources and interviews. As the first film for both men, it is an extremely impressive feat.
As discussed in an interview, a rigid structure was applied to the format of the documentary to help in a clean execution, and this definitely paid off. Both the cinematographer (Dominic Fryer) and editor (Simon Coldrick) show great control in generating the desired emotions from the audience at the appropriate time in the designed narrative.
Further Comments
Arran: Narra?
Narra: It’s a really gripping film to watch. I never felt bored and it’s definitely something that is suitable for most ages. However, I don’t think I necessarily agree with you about the succinct nature of the format. I think at times, it seemed a little too simple, especially considering they had a lot to work with. I think they could have actually explored the danger of the internet and how it destroyed people’s lives more so. In a way, I think it took an easier and more sensationalist route in its approach to portraying the tickle monster that is Jane O’Brien.
Arran: Really? I don’t think it was necessarily an “easier” option for the film to show how bad Jane O’Brien is. I think if they had have portrayed the dangers of the internet more in the film it could have easily become more clichéd.
Narra: If it’s done in a boring way, maybe. But I think the film wasn’t necessarily revelatory or important. They present it in a similar way to the rest of Farrier’s work which are gripping entertainment pieces.
Arran: Hm. I think it was an important film, it wasn’t just an entertainment piece.
Narra: Maybe. But I don’t think it was necessarily ambitious enough in being revelatory.
Arran: I think they do, especially for a first film. Anyway, what do you give it?
Narra: I’m giving it two and a half stars.
Arran: Really? I’m giving it four. I think it was good and it left me thinking about it long after it ended.
Tickled is now available on DVD.