Documentary 'mini-task'

What is a documentary? How would you define ‘documentary’?

A documentary can be about anything, it can show the viewer a different angle on what the documentary is about, it normally provides more accurate information about a particular subject.

Key Features of Expository Documentary: This type of documentary normally talk directly to the viewer, it normally has a voice over or titles, and provides a strong argument or viewpoint, which is meant to persuade the viewer. An example of an expository documentary would be “America’s Most Wanted”.

Key Features of Observational Documentaries: This type of documentary has no input form the filmmaker, no questions, no commentary. They normally film what is around them, the way they do this is the director of the documentary points his microphone at what he wants the camera operator to film. They also use smaller cameras to film. An example of an observational documentary is “Public Housing”.

Key Features of Interactive Documentaries: In this type of documentary the filmmaker’s presence is well known, they are usually a participant in the topic they are presenting, lots of revelling interviews and audience interaction. Due to the often sensitive and opinionated topics in these documentaries they can sometimes be accused of manipulating the audiences’ opinions, this is because the way they are presented does not leave the viewer to have to make their own conclusions. An example of an interactive documentary is “Bear 71”.

Key Features of Reflexive Documentaries: These types of documentaries are known for being quite experimental. They normally cover a topic, person or place that which in some cases are controversial for example Louis Theroux’s documentaries called “Louis and the Nazis” covers the topic of white supremacists.

Key Features of Performative Documentaries: in this type of documentary, more of the budget is spent on the re-enactments, unique camera angles, and specified sound tracks. This form is largely considered to be a little less truthful then others but are often much more entertaining to the viewers. An example of this is “Tongues Untied”.

Conclusion: What is you philosophy as a filmmaker? I believe when making a documentary everything should be factual, it should not be one sided or misleading to the audience.