Documentary Analysis
WHAT IS A DOCUMENTARY?
A documentary is a type of non-fictional film or video that aims to inform, educate, and raise awareness about a particular subject or topic. Unlike fictional films, documentaries present factual accounts or reports of real people, events, or issues. They can cover a wide range of subjects, such as history, science, politics, social issues, and biographies, and use a variety of storytelling techniques, including interviews, archival footage, photographs, and other visual media. The purpose of a documentary is to provide an objective and accurate representation of the subject matter, and to offer viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
TYPES OF DOCUMENTARYS
OBJECTIVE DOCUMENTARY
An objective documentary has a factual and unbiased account or report of real people, events, or issues. The purpose of an objective documentary is to provide an accurate and objective representation of the subject matter, without the influence of the filmmaker's personal beliefs, opinions, or biases. This type of documentary is typically characterized by a neutral or detached tone, and relies on a range of sources and evidence to support its claims. An objective documentary may feature interviews with multiple perspectives, use archival footage or photographs to provide historical context, and may employ statistics or expert analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Ultimately, the goal of an objective documentary is to provide viewers with a clear and accurate picture of the subject matter, and allow them to draw their own conclusions based on the evidence presented.
SUBJECTIVE DOCUMENTARY
A subjective documentary presents a personal and often biased perspective on a particular subject or topic. Unlike an objective documentary, a subjective documentary may feature a more emotional or subjective tone, and may rely on the filmmaker's personal experiences, beliefs, or opinions to shape the narrative. This type of documentary often uses a range of subjective techniques, such as personal interviews, voiceover narration, or stylized cinematography, to convey the filmmaker's perspective. While a subjective documentary may provide a more engaging and compelling viewing experience, it is important to note that it may also present a skewed or incomplete picture of the subject matter. Therefore, it is important for viewers to approach a subjective documentary with a critical eye, and to seek out additional sources and perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.
GENRES
MOCKUMENTARY
A mockumentary is a type of film or video that parodies the style and conventions of a documentary, often presenting fictional events or characters as if they were real. Mockumentaries typically use a documentary format, such as interviews, archival footage, and voiceover narration, to create a satirical or humorous commentary on a particular subject or topic. The purpose of a mockumentary is to entertain and amuse viewers by presenting a fictional story or situation in a way that is reminiscent of a documentary, while also exposing the absurdity or contradictions of the subject matter.
Example: BORAT
The mockumentary film "Borat" is a satirical comedy that follows the fictional character of Borat Sagdiyev, a journalist from Kazakhstan who travels to the United States to make a documentary about American culture. The film uses a documentary format, with Borat conducting interviews with real people in various locations throughout the US. Along the way, he engages in a series of outrageous and often offensive behavior, exposing the ignorance and prejudices of some of the people he encounters.
Through Borat's interactions with real people, the film highlights various aspects of American culture, including politics, religion, and social norms, while also exposing the prejudices and biases that can exist within society. While the film generated controversy for its use of offensive and provocative humor, it was also praised for its clever satire and its ability to shed light on important social issues in a comedic and accessible way.
EXPOSITORY DOCUMENTARIES
An expository documentary informs and educates viewers about a particular subject or topic. This type of documentary presents factual information, often through interviews with experts, historical footage, and statistics, in a clear way. It usually follows a linear structure and provides an overview of the topic at hand. Expository documentaries can cover a wide range of subjects, from science and history to politics and social issues, and are often used to raise awareness and promote understanding of important issues. The goal of an expository documentary is not to persuade or manipulate the viewer, but to provide an objective and informative presentation of the facts. Nature documentaries are a good example of this style.
Example: "13th"
"13th" is a powerful expository documentary that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States and the ways in which the criminal justice system has been used as a tool to perpetuate oppression and discrimination against black people. The film presents a persuasive argument that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery, has been undermined by systemic racism and mass incarceration, leading to a modern-day form of slavery in which black people are affected.
The documentary uses a range of expository techniques, including data and statistics, historical analysis, and expert testimony, to build a persuasive case. For example, "13th" explores the role of the media in perpetuating racist stereotypes and the impact of the "war on drugs" and "tough on crime" policies on communities of color. The film also highlights the ways in which the criminal justice system reinforces racial inequality through practices such as mass incarceration and voter exclusion.
OBSERVATIONAL DOCUMENTARIES
An observational documentary captures real-life situations as they unfold without interference or intervention from the filmmaker. The filmmaker simply observes and records the subjects and events as they happen. The goal of an observational documentary is to provide an authentic and unfiltered depiction of the subject matter, whether it be a person, place, or event. This type of documentary typically avoids the use of interviews, voiceovers, or scripted scenes, and instead relies on the subjects and their actions to tell the story. Observational documentaries can cover a wide range of subjects, from everyday life and social issues to science and the environment, and are often praised for their ability to capture the raw emotions and experiences of the subjects on screen.
Example: GAGA- FIVE FOOT TWO
The "fly on the wall" technique used during this documentary is particularly effective in creating an intimate and raw portrayal of the superstar, allowing the viewer to witness her struggles, both personal and professional, in an unfiltered and authentic way.
Throughout the documentary, there are a number of close-up shot and a lot of filming is hand held which is effective because the camera's movements and angles feel like they mimick the movement of the human eye. This makes the viewer feel more connected to the Gaga and her story.
BIOGRAPHICAL DOCUMENTARIES
A biographical documentary is a type of film that focuses on the life and accomplishments of a specific person. This type of documentary typically includes interviews with the subject or people close to them, as well as archival footage and photographs to provide a comprehensive overview of their life and career. Biographical documentaries can be produced about historical figures, public figures, celebrities, or individuals who have made significant contributions to a particular field or industry. They can range from in-depth explorations of the subject's personal life and struggles, to more focused examinations of their work and accomplishments.
Example: LIL PEEP- EVERYBODY'S EVERYTHING
The style of filming in Everybody's Everything is primarily observational and biographical, with the filmmakers taking a fly-on-the-wall approach to capturing the life and legacy of rapper Lil Peep. The film combines interviews with family members, friends, collaborators, and industry insiders with archival footage and personal videos shot by Lil Peep and those closest to him. The use of personal videos and archival footage creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, allowing the viewer to witness Lil Peep's rise to fame and tragic death through his own eyes and those closest to him.
PARTICIPATORY DOCUMENTARIES
A participatory documentary involves active participation from both the filmmaker and the subject being documented. This type of documentary blurs the traditional lines between filmmaker and subject, with the subjects often having a significant degree of control over the content and direction of the film. This can include allowing the subjects to tell their own stories in their own words, or even involving them in the filmmaking process itself. Participatory documentaries can be highly collaborative and interactive, with the filmmaker and subject working together to create a meaningful and engaging story. This type of documentary can be particularly effective in giving a voice to communities or underrepresented perspectives, and can provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and perspectives in a way that is authentic and empowering.
Example: "Super Size Me"
Morgan Spurlock directed "Super Size Me", a participatory documentary that investigates the effects of fast food on public health. The documentary tracks Spurlock as he undertakes a 30-day experiment, consuming nothing but McDonald's food for all his meals.
One of the key strengths of "Super Size Me" is its participatory approach. Spurlock involves himself directly in the story and invites the audience to follow his journey. He also actively engages with experts and other stakeholders in the fast food industry, inviting them to share their perspectives and knowledge. This creates a dialogue and a sense of collaboration between the filmmaker and the subjects of the film.
SOCIAL ACTION DOCUMENTARIES
A social action documentary is a type of documentary film that seeks to create awareness and drive social change by addressing a specific social issue or cause. Unlike traditional documentaries that are meant to educate and inform viewers, social action documentaries have a clear advocacy and activist agenda. They aim to inspire the audience to take action, whether through political or social activism, fundraising, or volunteering. Social action documentaries typically deal with issues such as human rights, environmentalism, poverty, and healthcare, and they use a range of storytelling techniques to engage and educate the viewer. They often feature personal stories of individuals and communities affected by the issue, expert interviews, archival footage, and statistical data.
Example: "Blackfish"
This social action documentary that explores the controversy surrounding the captivity of killer whales at SeaWorld parks, and the dangers it creates to both the whales and their trainers. The film follows the story of Tilikum, a captive orca involved in the deaths of three people, including a SeaWorld trainer. Through interviews with former trainers and experts, "Blackfish" sheds light on the cruel and inhumane treatment of these majestic creatures in captivity, and how it can lead to aggressive behavior and even fatal attacks. The film sparked widespread public outrage and led to significant changes in SeaWorld's policies regarding the captivity and performance of killer whales.
TECHNICALITIES
ARCHIVE FOOTAGE
Archive footage refers to footage that has been previously captured and stored for future use. This is often historical and is used as a source of information for types of media production. Archive footage can come from a variety of sources, such as documentaries, personal recordings, or even old TV shows. Archive footage is an essential resource for researchers, filmmakers, and anyone interested in history. There are three types of archive footage; videos, photos and illustrations
Example: "Amy"
The documentary "Amy" uses archive footage effectively to tell the story of Amy Winehouse's life and career. The film, directed by Asif Kapadia, chronicles Winehouse's rise to fame as a talented singer-songwriter and her eventual tragic downfall. The footage includes home videos, interviews, and live performances, which help to create a sense of intimacy and authenticity. The viewer is able to see Winehouse in her own words, as well as in the words of those who knew her best, such as her family, friends, and collaborators.
Another way in which the documentary uses archive footage effectively is by contextualizing Winehouse's story within the broader cultural and social context of the time. The footage shows the rise of tabloid journalism and the public's fascination with celebrity culture, which played a significant role in Winehouse's public image and personal struggles. The footage also shows the impact of the music industry on Winehouse's career, including the pressures she faced to conform to a certain image and sound.
MISE-EN-SCENE
Mise-En-Scene refers to everything that the audience can see within the frame of the shot, and how those elements work together to create a particular atmosphere or convey a certain message. This includes everything from the lighting, set design, costumes, props, camera angles, and character movements to the placement of the actors and the overall mood or tone of the scene.
Example: BBC "interview with a drug dealer"
In class we analysed this video and how the supposed "drug dealer" comes across in the video. The video was filmed in the town they live which is very run down and gives a first initial impression that it is not a wealthy area. However this man stands out because he has diamond silver chains around his neck and expensive watches on his wrist which he goes on to admit the insane prices they were bought for. This suggests wealth however contradicts his surroundings and makes the viewer and interviewer question how he has got this money in an area like this. The interviewer has a protective vest on which also backs up this point and suggests the location isn't a safe place or suggests the people surrounding him are not safe either.
TITLE SEQUENCES
The title sequence serves as an important visual and auditory element that helps set the stage for the film. It does play a crucial role in engaging viewers and drawing them into the world of the documentary. I created a trial title sequence which is linked and analysed in the class task page.
Example: "Catch me if you can"
The title sequence of "Catch Me If You Can" is a great example of how a title sequence can be used to set the tone and introduce the themes of a film. It uses a series of graphic elements and animations that represent the themes of the film, such as deception, identity, and travel. The sequence is not only visually striking, but it also effectively communicates the mood and style of the film. It captures the playful and adventurous spirit of the film, which is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr.
INTERVIEWS
Generally, an interview is a conversation between two or more people, where one person (the interviewer) asks questions to another person (the interviewee) to gather information, assess skills or qualifications, and make decisions based on the information gathered. In documentaries, interviews serve as a key tool for gathering firsthand accounts, opinions, and perspectives from people who have knowledge or personal experience related to the topic of the film.
How to conduct a successful interview:
Research and prepare: Before the interview, research the person or topic you will be discussing. Create a list of questions that are relevant and interesting, and that will help you to get the information you need.
Ask the interviewee to answer the question starting with the question so that their answers can stand alone
Listen actively: Listen carefully to what the interviewee is saying, and ask follow-up questions to clarify their points or to encourage them to elaborate.
Record and transcribe: It's important to record the interview using a reliable and high-quality method
DOCUMENTARY ANALYSIS
FYRE FESTIVAL
"Fyre: The greatest party that never happened"
The subtitle, "The Greatest Party That Never Happened," is a reference to the fact that while the festival never went ahead as planned, and the hype and anticipation surrounding it made it seem like it could have been an incredible event. However, the reality was quite different. The Fyre Festival documentary is available to stream on Netflix. The documentary was produced by Netflix and released in January 2019. Chris Smith was the director ; he is also known for producing the well known tv series "Tiger King" in 2017 and has directed the documentary "Jim and Andy- The Great Beyond" also released in 2017.
The "Fyre Festival" documentary was a heavily publicised music festival that was set to take place on a private island in the Bahamas in April 2017. The festival was organised by entrepreneur Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule, who promised everyone attending a luxurious experience with 5 star accommodations, amazing food, and performances by popular musicians. However, the reality of the festival ended up being far from what was promised. Attendees were stranded on the island with hardly any shelter, food, and water, and the musical performances and amenities that had been advertised failed to even be there. The festival quickly went in chaos, with everyone posting viral photos and videos on social media of the horrible conditions and the disorganised nature of the event. The Fyre Festival has since become an infamous tale and highlights the power of social media to expose scams and fraudulent behaviour. It is a subjective documentary designed to provide an in-depth look at the planning, execution, and ultimate failure of the Fyre Festival. The documentary uncovers the events leading up to the festival's collapse, including the decisions made by the organisers, the marketing strategies used to promote the event, and the impact it had on those who attended. Through interviews with former employees, attendees, and others involved in the festival, the documentary aims to shed light on the underlying factors that contributed to the disaster, highlighting the importance of taking accountability and having ethical and moral business standards.
The documentary uses lots of different media to tell the story of how the fyre festival ended so badly:
Interviews with former employers, people that attended, and others involved within the festival scandal.
Behind the scenes footage shots which show the chaotic and disorganized environment in which the festival was planned.
Archive clips from promotional videos and social media posts from the fyre team as well as videos online that everyone who attended is sharing about for the whole world to see.
Before watching this documentary in class I had never heard of this event before but I took great interest into it as soon as I started watching. The documentary is structured chronologically, beginning with a brief introduction to Billy McFarland and his plan to create a luxury music festival on a private island in the Bahamas. From there, the documentary delves into the planning process, introducing key members of the Fyre Festival team and showing the chaotic environment in which the festival was planned. As the documentary progresses, it highlights key moments in the festival's development, such as the creation of the promotional video and the social media campaign that helped build attention around the event. The documentary also introduces the issues that were created during the festival, including the lack of accommodations and supplies, which ultimately led to the festival's cancellation.
The use of interviews was effective in providing a full view of the Fyre Festival debacle. The interviews in the Bahamas helped to show the magnitude of the festival's failure and the impact it had on both the local community and the people that attended the festival. The use of multiple locations also helped to provide a sense of context and perspective, giving viewers a more complete understanding of the events leading up to the festival's end. The use of a studio setting in some of the interviews provided a more professional look, helping to balance out some of the more disorderly parts of the festival that covered most of the documentary. They used a shallow depth of field to focus on the individual speaking as it draws attention to the interviewee's facial expressions, gestures, and body language, highlighting the impact of the subject matter on them.
During the interviews, you never hear the interviewer speak. This can create a more immersive viewing experience, as the watcher is able to feel as if they are having a direct conversation with the interviewee. This can help to create a sense of empathy. Archive footage is used with behind the scenes footage of the festival being planned, primarily from the Fyre team.
I found the documentary very effective in the way that it was very informative and the style of documentary kept me captivated and immersed the entire time. The documentary was well-received by critics and audiences. Many critics praised its engaging story and insightful exploration of the factors that led to the "Fyre Festival's failure.". I personally believe that it was biased towards one particular perspective; being the festival's organizers and attendees. Wheras I thought there should of been more focus on the individuals most effected in the area. I learnt a lot about how the power of social media and influencer culture promotes false expectations and misleads people. The documentary showed how the organizers of the Fyre Festival used social media to create a glamorous and exclusive image of the event, which ultimately led to the festival's failure.
In my documentary I definitely want to take inspiration from the the interview styles and how there wasn't just one interview after another they were all mixed up. I thought the layering of the social media pages with an interview voice over it was also very effective.
FEMINISTS
"Feminists: what were they thinking?"
The subtitle "What Were They Thinking?" serves as a rhetorical question that prompts viewers to consider the experiences and motivations of the women involved in the feminist movement during the 1970s. The question implies that the thoughts and actions of these women were radical and unconventional at the time, and invites the audience to reflect on the cultural and historical context that led to the emergence of the feminist movement. This documentary is avaliable to stream on netflix. Johanna Demetrakas was the director. Johanna Demetrakas is known for Some Nudity Required (1998), Out of Line (2001) and the documentary- Crazy Wisdom: The Life & Times of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche (2011). It was filmed over a period of several years, starting in 2012, and was released in 2018.
The documentary "Feminists: What Were They Thinking?" explores the history and legacy of the feminist movement through the personal stories and perspectives of a diverse group of women who were part of the movement in the 1970s. The film aims to highlight the achievements of the feminist movement, such as securing reproductive rights and challenging gender discrimination in the workplace, and to examine the challenges and setbacks that the movement faced. By doing so, the documentary seeks to inspire and empower a new generation of women to continue the fight for gender equality.
- The documentary uses a wide range of media to tell the story of the feminist movement:
- Photographs of feminist activists from the book "Emergence" by Cynthia MacAdams are used.
- Archival footage of feminist protests and events from the 1970s.
- Interviews with feminist activists and thinkers.
- Incorporates clips from popular media, such as television shows and movies.
As a strong believer of the feminist movement and gender equality I did have a range of knowledge on the subject before watching this documentary, however i found it really interesting to see the interviews with the womens involved in the 1960s and 70s as it gave an insight into their experiences and views.
The documentary is structured around a series of interviews with feminist activists and thinkers from different generations and backgrounds. The interviews are interspersed with archival footage and clips from popular media to provide context and historical background for the discussions. The interviews that follow the introduction are organized thematically, with each segment focusing on a different aspect of the feminist movement and its ongoing relevance today.
Interviews play a central role in this documentary. They provide a rich and multifaceted perspective on the feminist movement and its ongoing relevance, highlighting the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the movement and encouraging viewers to think critically about issues of gender inequality and social justice. Using interviews with women part of the feminist movement first, offer a personal and historical perspective on the feminist movement, as the women reflect on their experiences, achievements, and challenges during that time. Then using interviews with younger women who reflect on the impact of the feminist movement on their lives and the ongoing struggles for gender equality today which provides a contemporary perspective on the relevance of feminism and highlight the importance of intergenerational dialogue and activism.
Archive footage is used extensively in the documentary to provide historical context for the feminist movement and to illustrate the cultural and social climate in which it emerged. This footage provides a vivid sense of the energy and passion of the feminist movement during its early years and helps to bring the stories and perspectives of the women featured in the film to life.
Personally the documentary "Feminists: What Were They Thinking?" has a really positive impact on me as it expanded my knowledge on issues of gender inequality, social justice, and the ongoing relevance of the feminist movement. It has definitely encouraged me and I can imagine many other viewers as well to become more involved in the feminist movement. The documentary received a lot of positive critical reception with viewers praising its "thoughtful and engaging approach" and its ability to "convey the power of feminist activism". For me I struggled to critique this documentary but I think it would of been interesting to include more interviews from a wider group of women perhaps of colour and different sexualities. What I liked most about this documentary was probably the use of archival footage as it really showed me the progression of the movement.
Some techniques that I would be interested in using in my FMP project would be how the interviews were overlapped with archival footage as it gave a visual to show what they were talking about.