The style of KJ’s “The Above” is contradictory to her film “Cameraperson” in terms of style, sound, and movement. There were several still shots, done purposely, and a significantly minimal amount of dialogue, with several shots done in silence.
The only dialogue included in the film was the necessary dialogue – such as the man speaking about God – whereas the dialogue and sounds in “Cameraperson” carried the film, giving it life and evoking emotion.
The lack of sound in this film is meant to make a statement. It elicits an uneasy response, as we view different shots and angles of this mysterious figure in the sky that people are conscious of, yet do not seem to question. Watching this twice helped to reveal the message even more, as I did not even see the blimp in some of the shots in the first viewing. With her shots of the blimp in different areas in front of different places, Johnson eludes to the idea that blimp is “all-knowing” and everywhere.
We are not left with any closure at the end of this film, and I think that is done on purpose as well. Johnson wants the viewers to be left feeling uneasy and thinking about this figure in the sky and its potential capabilities and impacts.