The return of America's Most Hated Family

1. Louis Theroux : The Return of America’s Most Hated Family Documentary Analysis

2. The documentary The Return of America’s Most Hated Family presented by Louis Theroux was first shown in 2011 on BBC. It is now on Netflix which is available 24/7. The documentary explores themes such as : Life of members within the Westboro Baptist Church What life is like for family who have left the church Life of the Phelps family

3. ‘ The Return of America’s Most Hated Family’ is an observational (fly on the wall) documentary as the audience and Louis follow and observe the lives of the Phelps family. It could also be classed as a mixed documentary as it includes, narration, observation and interviews. Camerawork & Movement Handheld shot – This includes the camera being shaky and not on a stand. Handheld shots are one of the main codes and conventions for an observational documentary as it shows the footage is original. Handheld shots are used in the documentary to make the audience feel like they are there, following around the action and getting exclusive information about how the family live there every day lives.

4. Camerawork & Movement Shot reverse shot – These are used within the documentary mainly to show conflict between two people. The fast shot reverse shot shows that there is conflict between the two people and that the Phelps family face arguments in their every day lives. Close up – When Louis is witnessing the family protest in the streets with offensive signs he questions the younger children to see what they think about it all. A close up is used to show the children are unsure about what they are arguing for and are being brainwashed by their family. The close up also makes the audience feel pathos towards the children as they do not have a choice.

5. Mise-en-scene Streets of Topeka, Kansas – The streets are used in the Mise-en-scene of the documentary to show the family protesting with signs and also groups who are on the other side of the street protesting against them and arguing. This shows the audience what every day life is like for the family and how the groups are big compared to their family standing alone. Home of the Phelps – The Phelps home is shown throughout the documentary so the audience get to see what they live like, this will make them feel like they know the family better and are there with Louis.

6. Mise-en-scene Westboro Baptist Church – Is used in the Mise-en-scene as this is were the family join to prey and the church is the main cause of there beliefs and behaviour. By showing the church and what the family does inside the church will make the audience feel as if they are getting behind the scenes access to the families lives.

7. Sound Non Digetic – At the start of the documentary a voiceover of Louis Theroux is used to introduce the documentary to the audience and show what it will be exploring. No sound effects are used in the documentary as the documentary is serious and addresses important issues as many of the things the family talks about are offensive. Digetic – Louis Theroux is the main speaker within the documentary as he follows the family and interviews them.

8. Editing Fade – The only editing technique used in the documentary is fade to black. This has been done as if there was lots of editing within the documentary then it would have a less serious tone. Fades are sometimes used after Louis has spoken to show how he is affected by the family and their beliefs. Archive material Clips from Louis previous encounter with the family – These are shown at the beginning of the documentary to inform the audience that Louis has already met the family before in 2006, he has now returned to see if anything has changed. A clip is also used later in the documentary to show what Jael Phelps life is like compared to what it was like when Louis first met her. The clips have a brown tint to them which implies that the footage is old.

9. Archive Material News report on the Phelps family – This informs the audience about the effects the family are having to the people of America and how they cause many of them distress. Graphics Title of documentary – Used to introduce the documentary. Dark colours imply that documentary will explore serious and distressing subjects.

10. Graphics Credits – Shown at the end of the documentary to give credit to people who were involved within the making of the film.