Types of Documentary Films

1. Types of Documentary Films Media Studies 120 – April 11th, 2013

2. Warm-Up: Telephone Think back, way back, to birthday parties when you were a child. Today we are going to play the classic game, telephone! We are going to play in two teams. I will give the same message to each team.

3. Warm-Up: Telephone Did the final versions change the core of the story or just the details? What does this exercise tell you about the truthfulness of what is seen and heard on film? No matter what the documentary form is, a documentary’s story is filtered through the sensibilities of the filmmaker. One person’s understanding can alter a story.

4. Documentary Common Characteristics Documentaries generally include some or all of the following: 1) Text and visual graphics on screen - maps, subtitles, animation, statistics, graphs. the “update” given at end of film. 2) Narration – on camera, voice over, text. 3) Interviews 4) Still Photo Shots 5) Expository Information – the thesis of the film, either persuasive or informative.

5. The Two Main Categories: Objective & Subjective Objective documentaries try to present information in a seemingly unbiased way. They are supposed to present both sides of a story. Subjective documentaries, on the other hand, present a distinct point of view. With this said, although they represent an individual opinion subjective films try to be truthful from the filmmaker’s point of view.

6. Documentary Type #1 – Expository: Direct Address This is the most common form of documentaries. In these, the filmmaker explains the topic to the audience. They can be both persuasive (subjective) and informative (objective). A narrator directly addresses the audience, either through voice over, text tracks, or on screen. The narrator is meant to guide the viewer.

7. Documentary Type #2 – Expository: Indirect Address This is a much less common form, and is seen most often in art films. It is poetic and impressionistic. There is no narration. However, the audience is still meant to draw specific conclusions through the use of editing and sound.

8. Documentary Type #3 - Observational Similar to the previous type, however, it uses minimal editing and music. In these, filmmakers have no interaction with their subjects. The camera is either unseen, or the people ignore it. These films are often referred to as “fly on the wall style,” direct cinema, and cinema vérité.

9. Documentary Type #4 – Interactive In these, the filmmaker takes a much more active role. They are actively involved in the issue and can change the outcomes of the film. (i.e. a film about a protester)

10. Documentary Type #5 – Self - Reflexive As the name suggests, this is a documentary that is aware that it aware of itself as a film. The filmmaker explains everything such as limitations, dilemmas, and the various aspects of making a film. It gives the audience some insight into the difficulties of presenting the truth, either in an objective or subjective manner.

11. Practice Set We are going to watch five documentary clips. I want you to decide which type it is, and note any stylistic elements you see that support your decision. After each clip, I will give you a minute to confer with your group members while I get the next clip set up.

12. Practice Set Supersize Me Babies 35:53-41:41 (remaining) Hydroplaning Dolphin Greatest Movie Ever Sold Baraka