First Person

First Person is a groundbreaking television series and a distinctive work of genius from the year 2000, which was conceptualized, produced, and narrated by the multi-talented, academy award-winning documentarian, Errol Morris. The show was indeed ahead of its time, diving headfirst into the human psyche, belief systems, and the complex nature of reality as perceived by different individuals. The show portrays the mavericks of the society, those who reside on the outskirts of conventionality, and provides them a platform to share their fascinating, and often bewildering, narratives.

Noteworthy for its unconventional and almost idiosyncratic style of storytelling, First Person uses the technique of direct-address interviews effectively. The series avoids the typical interviewing setup where the interviewer and interviewee converse across each other; Morris’s implementation of the “Interrotron,” a device that allowed Morris and his subjects to maintain eye contact via a two-way mirror system while also looking directly into the camera, sets it apart. This technology forms a fundamental fabric of the series and lends it a unique flavor, offering a more immediate and personal connection between the viewer and the one telling the story.

The series unfolds over seventeen episodes. It is non-linear, episodic, and more akin to a collection of independent short stories, rather than a traditional TV show with a continuous thread. Each episode delivers in-depth interviews with a variety of subjects - a wide array of individuals who have experienced something out of the ordinary, or possess unusual careers or interests. You'll encounter everyone from a lion tamer, a topiary gardener, a robot scientist to a cryonics enthusiast, and an expert on giant squids.

Furthermore, the subjects portrayed are often at odds with the mainstream. Many episodes feature individuals who have expertise in a field that others might consider eccentric or bizarre. The stories are told from their viewpoint, challenging the viewers to venture out of their comfort zones and question their preconceived notions about normality. It's about understanding the world through their lens, traversing into their world, and getting a glimpse into their unique perspectives.

The context and subject matter of First Person are undeniably fascinating, but it's the treatment by Errol Morris that strings together these narratives into a riveting and absorbing series. His exceptional story-telling style, extensive use of dramatic re-enactments, expressive visual imagery, and the systemic use of music and sound, all contribute to creating a mesmerizing world for the viewer to delve into. Morris’s signature style adds another layer of intrigue to the already fascinating narratives, making it a captivating watch.

Another aspect of what makes First Person highly appealing is its exploration of overarching themes that resonate with various strata of viewers. The diversity of human experience, the notion of subjective truth, the pivotal role of perceptions in shaping our reality, the blurred lines between sanity and insanity - it delves into these intriguing themes thoroughly.

There are moments in First Person that are funny, while others are heartbreaking or purely informative. The overall effect, however, is entirely riveting; as viewers, you are taken on an emotional journey that will inspire, provoke thought, and potentially even change the way you perceive certain aspects of life.

In conclusion, if you seek a unique show that blends deep and engaging storytelling with cutting-edge filmmaking techniques, First Person should be your pick. It effortlessly brings forward an eccentric brigade of characters, submerged in their universes, and invites you to join them for a little while in their journey. The stories may be singular, but the human emotions, the drive, the life philosophy, and the theories resonate universally. You might end up being puzzled, amused, saddened, or simply baffled, but you will be entertained, and most importantly you’ll be given an opportunity to think differently.