'Spellbound'

‘Spellbound’ is a documentary by Jeffrey Blitz, following eight children (Neil Kadakia, Emily Stagg, Ashley White, April DeGideo, Harry Altman, Angela Arenivar, Nupur Lala and Ted Brigham) in the United States as they compete in the 1999 National Spelling Bee competitions. To watch an extract of it please follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAR0LvSo1TM 

The competition gives us an insight into these eight individuals’ lives, their cultural backgrounds and family life. As the film goes on it comes apparent, it was not made to show and promote these spelling bees, but instead show the lives of different children from all over America trying to achieve the same thing. We get an insight in American culture, the nation of immigrants, and their celebrations of champions. When I think of America I think of big cities and rich towns: New York, Florida, Los Angeles. But I can now see that there are also so many deprived and derelict areas too.  A lot of the filming takes place in Middle America where places are very derelict and run down.

The attitudes and family life of all the children are so different and somewhat juxtaposed. Nupur, an Indian girl is doing well, her family appear wealthy, and she is provided with a computer and equipment to help her learn. Whereas, Angela, a Mexican girl, is quite the opposite, her family moved to America for better education, her father works on a cattle farm. They seem more economically disadvantaged to Nupur. When Angela shows us her studying, all is down on paper, cutting and sticking words to help her learn.

There’s also Ted, again his family seen economically disadvantaged. He recently moved to his school and is very lonely without friends. His parents see the spelling bees as a chance to meet new people similar to himself. He is described by his parents as very humble. He attempts to fit in at school but states ‘nobody can understand’. Emily, however, appears very wealthy. We are shown clips of her singing and being very musical, as well as riding horses. It is apparent she has been given many opportunities for her interests. Emily says in a clip ‘I don’t love spelling, I do it to compete’ she carries on explaining that it is because she is competitive. Both children have very different views on why they take part in these events. Emily’s mother says she sees the spelling bees as a ‘family thing’ but also a different form of child abuse.

From just those four children we have already seen a huge contrast in their lifestyles, and attitudes of the competitions. This is what makes the film so interesting. It may be set around the National Spelling Bee competitions but that isn't the main thing.  

The context of the film was very similar to 'Child Genius', a TV show about 21 gifted children, ages 7 to 11, and their battle to the UK's ultimate child genius. Follow link to watch: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/child-genius