the british are coming?

I found the comparison of Grierson's film with Vertov's film to be extraordinarily interesting because, as a history nerd, I thought it somewhat contradicted the general tone of the time. The British were always the first and best of everything- they had the best navy, the best policies, and they had always seemed to remain sort of an elitist island through the trying times of depression. The Soviet government has always been depicted (perhaps just from the American history perspective) as backward, almost agrarian, and controlling. Film trascends these stereotypes. I found it impressive that the progressive and pioneering nature of avant-garde was more prevelant and explored throughout the Continent and Soviet Russia. I think this shows that avant-garde really is a movement from within; it is the individual's desire to explore an idea and develop it to its fruition. This is more difficult to find in its raw states in pompous and successful nations such as Great Britain.