Introduction to Documentaries ENG 4CI Ideas and Issues Unit

What is a Documentary? Film or television show that attempts to “document” reality Non-fiction, un-staged “Life as it is” or “a factual film that is dramatic” Can use observation, interviews, narrative To inform or get us to think about real life

Features of a Documentary Thesis Film-maker often has a message to take away from the film The film-maker may want you to agree with his/her position “Talking Heads” People interviewed on a particular subject Meant to either agree or disagree with the thesis

Features of a Documentary (cont’d) Bias We trust the film-maker to be objective and seek the absolute truth Are film-makers fair to each side of the argument? Atmosphere Mood or tone of each scene or interview What kinds of techniques are used? Humour, contrast, montage, archival footage, etc.

Filmmaking Techniques used in a Documentary (source: Wikipedia) Voice-over: a commentary by the filmmaker, spoken while the camera is filming or added to the soundtrack; the filmmaker can speak directly to the viewer Interview: common technique; people being filmed speak directly about the issue, events, etc.; interviewees are called “talking heads” and they may represent various sides of the issue Masked Interview: an interview in which the filmmaker is both off-camera and unheard

Filmmaking Techniques used in a Documentary (cont’d) Archival Footage: material obtained from a film library or archive and inserted into a documentary to show historical events Reconstructions: artifical scenes portraying an event (have been reconstructed and acted out based on information about the event) Montage: conveys ideas by putting them in a specific order in the film; contains a sequence of shots that often link action with words (as manipulated by the filmmaker)

Filmmaking Techniques used in a Documentary (cont’d) Juxtaposition: both sides of the issue are presented immediately following the other (eg. two interviews side by side)

Methods of Development Narration: telling stories or anecdotes to illustrate a point or show the seriousness of an issue Description: characteristics or features of the unfamiliar are described Examples: illustrations of a concept, event, idea are given Classification: ideas are grouped in categories to show or explain a bigger idea

Methods of Development (cont’d) Comparison/Contrast: ideas are arranged to show the similarities and differences between things Process: outlines the steps that are taken to explore the issue Cause/Effect: Ideas are arranged to link a result with a series of events, showing a logical relationship (eg. Describe the cause first and then explain the effects)

Types of Documentaries: Expository Purpose: To propose an argument or deliver an interpretation based on past events through words authoritative narration explains content descriptive, informative, persuasive, didactic visuals complement the information being spoken, but they are not the central focus what is being said is important

Type - Observational Film-maker does not interfere or interview Purpose: To observe aspects of life with minimal interference or manipulation Film-maker does not interfere or interview Film-maker is practically invisible Film attempts to be “neutral” Shows a direct slice of life

Type - Interactive Film-maker’s presence is obvious Purpose: To interact with the subject directly in order to study it Film-maker’s presence is obvious Interviews, editing, questions to the audience Manipulates and (mis) interprets events

Type - Performative Film-maker does not interfere or interview Purpose: To explore or produce subjective emotional responses to the world Film-maker does not interfere or interview Film-maker is practically invisible Film attempts to be “neutral” Shows a direct slice of life

Type – Poetic/Reflexive Purpose: To explore and experiment with the form of the documentary Experimental, “artsy” forms Poetic Focus on mood/tone, not narrative May not use words at all Reflexive Draws attention to the art of documenting

Bowling for Columbine (2002) Directed by Michael Moore Won Oscar for Best Documentary, among many other awards Upon winning the Oscar, Michael Moore publicly denounced the Bush administration “Is America a nation of gun nuts, or just nuts?”

The Shooting at Columbine High

Bill Clinton President of the United States at the time of the Columbine shooting On the same day of the shooting, Bill Clinton authorized the launch of a missile strike against Kosovo “On the hit list were a hospital and primary school”

Charlton Heston