THE ARBOR (Documentary)

A well made unusual documentary (Clio Barnard filmmaker) combining actors with lip synching of the actual subjects.  THE ARBOR is an estate (think poor housing project) in England where Andrea Dunbar, a young playwright grew up and died at the age of 28.  But not before she made her mark (3 plays written and produced) and brought three children into the world to share her ravaged life.  She suffered from serious alcoholism and the story is told by her children.  Her eldest daughter Lorraine appears to have been affected the most and her life is a shambles with addiction, prostitution, multiple children removed from her care and one child dead.  But throughout this honest case study there are some shining moments of humanity: Andrea's remarkable talent in her written words enacted by actors at outdoor readings at the estate; and the sheer love of Lorraine's foster parents.  It's not up beat, but very well made.  Reminded me of all of the families I worked with from Red Hook and Gowanus Housing Projects.  Poor is poor and the lives lived are frequently unbelievably sad, particularly for kids.