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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.
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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 Cinema • Cinema Verite • Essay Film
Direct Cinema • Most unbiased • No opinion • Audience draws own conclusions • “Fly on the wall” approach - objective observer.
Direct Cinema • Planet Earth is an example of this genre. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0E6geAq1k8
Cinema Verite • Similar to Direct Cinema • Director 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 Verite • Harlan County USA is an example: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCiVMngILEI
Essay Film • Opposite of Direct Cinema or Cinema Verite • Filmmaker’s opinion about a given issue • Thesis stated early on, support evidence thoughout the film. • Not balanced
Essay Film • Michael Moore example of documentary essay filmmaker • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhydyxRjujU