Documentary

Template:Documentary film A documentary is a type of non-fiction film or television program that provides a factual report on a particular subject. Documentaries are often used to inform, educate, or maintain a historical record, and they can cover a wide range of subjects including nature, history, science, politics, and society. Unlike fictional films, documentaries aim to present real-life issues or events, often incorporating actual footage, interviews with experts or participants, and narration to provide context.

History

The term "documentary" was first coined by John Grierson, a Scottish filmmaker, in his review of Robert Flaherty's film Nanook of the North in 1926. Grierson defined documentaries as a "creative treatment of actuality," which has become a guiding principle for the genre. The early days of documentary started with films that simply documented events, such as workers leaving a factory, but quickly evolved to include more structured narratives and social commentary.

Types of Documentaries

Documentaries can be classified into several sub-genres based on their approach and the methods used to create them:

• Expository documentaries narrate in a straightforward manner, aiming to inform and persuade by presenting facts, often using a voice-over.
• Observational documentaries attempt to simply observe the world around them without any intervention from the filmmaker.
• Participatory documentaries involve the filmmaker interacting with the subject matter, often including personal stories and reflections.
• Reflexive documentaries focus on the documentary filmmaking process itself and question the authenticity and objectivity of the documentary.
• Performative documentaries emphasize the subjective or expressive aspect of the filmmaker’s involvement with a subject, blending personal stories with larger political or historical issues.

Production Techniques

Documentary filmmakers employ various techniques to tell their stories:

• Interviews are used to gather insights and testimonies from subjects, providing a personal connection to the topic.
• Archival footage helps to provide historical context or evidence.
• Direct cinema is a technique where filmmakers observe events as they happen, without interference.
• Cinéma vérité combines observational cinema with stylized cinematic techniques to provoke and engage the viewer.

Impact and Ethics

Documentaries can have a significant impact on public opinion and policy by bringing attention to important issues. However, ethical concerns arise, particularly regarding the accuracy and objectivity of the portrayal of events and subjects. Filmmakers must navigate these issues, balancing artistic expression with factual integrity.

Notable Documentaries

Some landmark documentaries include:

• An Inconvenient Truth – A film about global warming featuring Al Gore.
• Bowling for Columbine – An exploration of gun violence in America by Michael Moore.
• The Act of Killing – A deep look into the individuals who participated in the mass killings in Indonesia in the 1960s.

See Also

• Cinéma vérité
• Direct cinema
• Film genre