Watch Approaching The Elephant

Approaching the Elephant is a documentary film released in 2014 directed by Amanda Rose Wilder. The movie follows the daily life of a new 'free school' in New Jersey named "Crestview School" and the struggles that come with trying to establish an environment without traditional classroom structures, where children can 'learn freely' and express themselves.

The film has a run time of around 90 minutes and is shot in an observational style, which allows the viewer to see and hear the daily interactions of the students, teachers, and the school's principal, Alexander Khost.

The Crestview School is a small, two-roomed building with a playground outside, which the children use for outdoor activities. The film opens with the arrival of the new teacher, Erin, who is tasked with being the guide and mentor to the children. It is clear from the beginning that Erin is passionate about the free school philosophy and is excited to embark on this journey with the students.

The film progresses through the academic year, and we observe the daily routines of the students, how they interact with each other, the trials and tribulations faced by Erin and the other teachers as they try to help the children learn at their own pace. There are many intense, dramatic scenes that highlight some of the difficulties encountered in the school- particularly as it's a new establishment.

One of the most important relationships the documentary highlights is that between the principal, Khost and the children. Although he is a stern and strict figure, he genuinely cares for his students' well-being, is involved in their day-to-day lives, and tries his best to help them through any hard times. The film also touches upon some of the challenges that teachers face when trying to teach 'outside the box' and the challenges of parents who are hesitant to embrace the 'free schooling' method.

Approaching the Elephant is an immersive film that allows the viewer to have a glimpse of what it might be like to be a student in this sort of educational institution. The soundtrack features a soothing and calming melody, which plays throughout, providing a calming and relaxed tone.

The cinematography captures the essence of the school and the people in it, making the viewer feel like they are present there. They have done an excellent job of capturing the sentiment of the students, their reactions to each other, the teachers, and their environment.

The struggles faced by the teachers, students and parents associated with the school are not ignored. The film takes an unobtrusive approach and never tries to sway the audience's opinions or change their viewpoints.

Rather, it presents the facts clearly and allows the audience to make their conclusions. With thought-provoking questions and real emotions, the documentary showcases a unique approach to education- moving beyond the traditional classroom structures and encouraging learning through play and exploration.

At its core, Approaching the Elephant is a film that aims to explore what it means to have education that goes beyond the norm, something unique and different. It explores the idea of allowing children to be free and to learn through play, through exploration, and by engaging with the world around them- the very essence of what the Crestview School stands for.

Approaching the Elephant is not just a film about alternative forms of education. It's a film that highlights the importance of learning and follows the journey of children who are free to explore, toy with and learn about the world around them. It provides a unique viewpoint, shining a light on what it takes to create an educational system that is genuinely focused on the student's needs and interests.

In conclusion, Approaching the Elephant is a thought-provoking, enlightening and heart-warming film that centers around the concept of free schooling. The film takes the viewer on a ride through the daily life of the students and the Crestview School. It's a candid exploration of a new school, its troubles, and triumphs, and how it aims to shape, enable and inspire young minds to learn and grow in a space that allows them to do so, without the constraints of traditional classrooms or educational systems.

Approaching The Elephant is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 82.