What is a documentary?

3 Schools of Thought

Why are documentaries popular?

In the 1990’s, cable television began to seek documentaries for programming.Documentaries are cheaper to make than narrative films. Some have become half-hour seasonal shows like The Dog Whisperer

3 Documentary Schools of Thought

Direct CinemaCinema VeriteEssay Film

Direct CinemaMost unbiasedNo opinionAudience draws own conclusions“Fly on the wall” approach - objective observer.

Direct CinemaPlanet Earth is an example of this genre.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0E6geAq1k8

Cinema VeriteSimilar to Direct CinemaDirector takes more active role.Opinion through choice of shots or editing.Provokes a reaction from the subject.Sometimes impacts outcome of events being documented.

Cinema VeriteHarlan County USA is an example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCiVMngILEI

Essay FilmOpposite of Direct Cinema or Cinema VeriteFilmmaker’s opinion about a given issueThesis stated early on, support evidence thoughout the film.Not balanced

Essay FilmMichael Moore example of documentary essay filmmakerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhydyxRjujU