1. Analyzing Arguments in Documentaries
The Rhetoric of Film
Analyzing Arguments in Documentaries

2. Film as text
Both documentaries and written texts are arguments and may be analyzed using similar skills. In both we look for: A. Rhetorical Strategies B. Style

3. Elements of Written Rhetoric
When analyzing the effectiveness of a written text we often concentrate on the following:
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Fallacies
Rhetorical Strategies

4. Style of Written Text When discussing style we look at these elements:
Sentence Structure
Word Choice
Rhetorical Patterns and Devices

5. Rhetoric and Style in Films
Film-makers utilize similar strategies.
Films contain examples of Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Filmmakers use fallacies
Filmmakers use “tracks” to convey meaning

6. The Language of Film
Visual Track: The images used in the film. Can be:
A. The primary footage shot by the filmmaker
B. Cutaways that support the argument
C. Found Footage

7. The Language of Film Audio Track: What we hear in the film Narration
Music
Sound Effects
Background Noise

8. The Language of Film Text Track: Written information in a film
Subtitles
Identification
Charts
Graphs
Statistics

9. Analyzing the Film Elements to look for: Archival Footage
Juxtaposition
Purpose
Anecdotes/Expert Testimony
Humor
Data
How do Filmmakers use these elements to create Ethos, Pathos, and Logos?
What editing decisions were made?

10. As you watch, ask the following questions:
What do you see?
What do you hear?
Which appeals are most persuasive?