After watching The Above for the first time I was admittedly a bit confused. More specifically, I did not quite recognize the ideas KJ was trying to convey to her viewers. I thought there was something specific that she wanted us to think about the balloon. I kept asking myself whether she wanted us to believe that the US had weapons on board the balloon, or perhaps the balloon itself is a bomb the U.S is plotting to release on these people. I felt like I was missing the big idea that everyone else could see. Finally, after watching the video a second time, I think I understand what KJ was trying to tell us. I believe the point of the film was not so much to expose U.S plans against Afghanistan, but rather to expose the creepy and ominous nature this balloon. Her biggest point is that no one really knows what the true purpose of this floating contraption. Yet it is always there; watching and lurking. I feel that Kirsten really captures the eeriness of this situation with her use of the camera. Many of the shots in the film focus on moments of everyday life while the balloons rest slightly out of focus in the background of the frame. This gave personality to the balloon. As it rested in the background of these shots, I would feel the strength of its gaze. I become uncomfortable. I became concerned.
