Inspired by 2007’s child benefit data leak, Bond decides to investigate just how much information private companies and the government hold about him. To do so he intends to disappear for thirty days, leaving behind his young child and pregnant wife, and hires top UK private investigators to see how much material they can unearth in order to track him down.
In the case of Erasing David the question asked is so much more intriguing than the answer. Bond and the investigators lack a level of charisma that is necessary in a documentary so involved with so few characters. Whilst he resists condescending and smug tones rife within the genre (think Morgan Spurlock) he fails to compel, his unsupportive wife often succeeding to annoy.
Whilst on the run Bonds haphazard activities display frustrating lack of thought- he opens emails sent by the investigators and uses his blackberry, allowing his whereabouts to easily be traced. From such naivety he quickly transforms into a state of manic paranoia, hiding in woods complete with shaky hand-held camera à la Blair Witch. The rapid transition between these two characters arouses suspicion this chase is far more contrived than Bond is letting on and for me this buries any objective value this ‘exposé’ initially held.
Undoubtedly anyone interested in learning more about ‘the system’ will want to see this film; it’s a strong concept and there are some memorable interview clips with experts and victims of life-altering government admin mishaps. Unfortunately, despite a few small (inconsequential) reveals, Bond fails to teach much beyond the familiar. Erasing David is essentially a low-budget chase movie with a light sprinkling of politics. Expect more and you’ll feel duped.
Erasing David’s substantial menu of DVD extras include ‘Cinema Premiere Debate’- a Q&A session between cast members and Bond, extended edits of interview footage, and general outtake scenes.
Published on thefilmpilgrim.com
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