1. Introduction to Documentaries
ENG 4CI
Ideas and Issues Unit

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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?”

16. The Shooting at Columbine High

17. 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”

18. Charlton Heston