Documentary Film – Elements

1. Documentary Film – Elements

2. Doc Film – elements/structure • http://prezi.com/ltwe9xelrk3q/elements-of-documentary-film/ • Key questions to ask – • Who sponsored the documentary? • Is there an ideology/political agenda being pushed? • Can you distinguish the voice of the characters from the voice of the narrators? Are they different?

3. Doc Film – elements/structure http://www.nfsa.gov.au/digitallearning/diydoco/default.htm This is a very good site from the government of Australia- it outlines much of the what Documentary Film is all about.

4. Doc Film – elements/structure Whether it's an epic drama or an insightful documentary, all films should tell a story. While documentaries often follow a story determined by a subject, that story still needs to be told using elements that make sense to viewers.

5. Doc Film – elements/structure • Beginning. Middle. End. Like all movies, documentaries need to fit into the basic structure of beginning/middle/end. The beginning should make a statement or establish the parameters of your story. The middle should provide detail, either to support the opening statement or to outline conflict and resolution. The end should tie the elements of the story together-to prove your statement or resolve the over-arching conflict established in the beginning.

6. Doc Film – elements/structure • Off the hook. Like a good novel, a good documentary will start with a scene or scenes that immediately capture the audience and make them want to continue watching. Whether it's a powerful visual or an intriguing dilemma, the opening should leave your viewers hungry for more.

7. Doc Film – elements/structure • Stay on track. As the middle of your documentary proceeds, it should be consistently organized around a simple structure. Some example structures include: anecdote/reflection, comparison/contrast and cause/effect.

8. Doc Film – elements/structure • Providing insight. In order to tell your story, you may have to provide significant background information. While it is possible to provide background with narration, interviews with experts of principles in your story will have more impact.

9. Doc Film – elements/structure • Rising tension. As the middle of your documentary evolves it should contain multiple instances of conflict and resolution. These occurrences should escalate to a climax near the end of your film.

10. Doc Film – elements/structure • The end? Your material should suggest an ending for your film. Although your documentary should come to a logical conclusion, it may not be the end of the story for your main characters. Find a way to signal that this particular passage may be over, but that real life rarely comes with a neat sense of closure.

11. Doc Film – Film Study 9/11 – Jules & Gideon Naudet & James Hanlon One of the most controversial films of 9/11. Began as a film about rookie firefighters in New York City – became one of the most powerful films of the event. Raw, emotional and sometimes terrifying. 10 year update film : http://www.veoh.com/watch/v21235552Fr4RyRHy - did anything change in their approach during the update film? Explain

12. Doc Film – Film Study • 9/11 & Fahrenheit 9/11 – Questions • What was your emotional response to the film? (4) • Which method of presentation does it use? Defend your answer and with at least 2 piece of evidence from the film. (5) • Which is it “Monological” or “Dialogical” – explain with examples from film. (5) • Did you “like” the film? Explain. (4) • Read the postings from www.911foreknowledge.com/staged.htm and www.media-criticism.com/Naudet_Brothers_09_2004.html • What do you think of Leslie Raphael’s claims? Are there any really valid ones? Do you think he is far too radical? • If there is any validity to these assertions, what might this imply about Hanlon and the Naudet Brothers? (10)

13. Doc Film – Film Study • 9/11 & Fahrenheit 9/11 – Questions • What was your emotional response to the film? (4) • Which method of presentation does it use? Defend your answer and with at least 2 piece of evidence from the film. (5) • Which is it “Monological” or “Dialogical” – explain with examples from film. (5) • Did you “like” the film? Explain. (4) • Read the postings from www.911foreknowledge.com/staged.htm and www.media-criticism.com/Naudet_Brothers_09_2004.html • What do you think of Leslie Raphael’s claims? Are there any really valid ones? Do you think he is far too radical? • If there is any validity to these assertions, what might this imply about Hanlon and the Naudet Brothers?

14. Doc Film – Film Study Fahrenheit 9/11 If you were to compare the two films, what you would say are the most striking differences between them? Explain in detail – 250 words ( identify 2 major differences) With all of the conspiracy theories about 9/11 - http://www.911truth.org/ why do you think Moore stayed away from them in his film? Is Moore’s film Mono or Dialogical? Explain. Which method of development or presentation does he use? Explain.