Wednesday, 14 September 2016

Documentaries!

Documentary notes and styles:

Objective - totally unbiased, shows both sides
Subjective - distinct point of view

Direct cinema / cinéma-vérité - objective 

  • style of documentary 
  • records as it unfolds
  • no manipulation or direction
  • usually, the audience are unaware of filmmaker's presence
  • Generally has no narrative 
A multi-sided or non-judgemental approach helps build tension and adds depth.

By including opposing points go view and contrasting opinions, filmmakers try to provoke people to question their own beliefs.

Micheal Moore - subjective 
  • often becomes a participant either as a voice behind the camera or in front as a character
  • Very controversial and provocative - Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbia 
Louis Theroux 
  • Reflexive documentaries 
  • In front of the camera as a casual interviewer and takes part in activities but remain detached and impartial 
  • Focuses on realism and shows things how they are 
Expository
  • Audience want facts
  • Very traditional 
  • Voice over (Voice of God) explains what is being shown on screen. 
  • Facts and statistics shown
  • Usually wildlife or historic
  • Audience is not particularly empowered
Observational 
  • 'Fly on the wall'
  • Real time
  • Filmmaker doesn't interfere 
  • Don't hear questions or voice over
  • Follows subject around to obverse 
Interactive
  • Questioning
  • Can be edited 
  • Lets people have their say and opinions 
  • Can be used to undermine the contributor making them look foolish or deluded 
  • Their interpretation of events
  • Can be trustworthy
  • Representation is very important
Reflexive
  • Experimental
  • About the filmmaker too
  • No attempts to hide the making of or construction of the film (can see cameras) 
  • A narrative is provided
Performative
  • Emphasis on the filmmakers' subjective attitude or personal engagement
  • Raises questions
  • Stresses emotional aspects
  • Demonstrate specifics of personal experience 

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