Analysing 3 Documentaries
Different Documentaries
Analysing 3 separate documentaries
The differences in styles and visuals of each documentary can vary quite drastically but also be very structural and similar even if they don't have similar topics. However, what every documentary needs are interviews, original footage and B-roll to help tell the story. The way these elements are compiled create the unique feel of each documentary.
Minimalism: A documentary about the important things
This is an extremely subjective documentary all from the side of people who have decided to convert to minimalism and the use of mise-en-scene to continue the narrative with examples of what it looks like was done very well. This is a very factual documentary, however, in the way that it educates the audience about the lifestyle when you choose minimalism and the short stories within the main narrative of the documentary don't just inform but also manipulate and criticise other ways of life in the materialistic world. The overriding goal seems to promote the 'superior' life of minimalism and saying it is a happier, cheaper and more philosophical way of living. They bring in experts with different impressive and complex titles such as a neuroscientist, compulsive hoarding expert, economist and socialist and finally, an author. Of course, they all come to the same conclusion that the manipulated and materialistic life that the general public live is excessive and bad for the world. Once again, this only shows the side of the people for minimalism and leaves the documentary feeling like it's just a promotional video for this philosophy instead of being an informative discussion about the subject, which may have made the overall documentary more appealing to a larger demographic. Withal, the execution and style choices of the team working on it are well done and creates a beautiful looking and aesthetically pleasing film to watch. Also, the composition of the interviews and stories are well done and make sense in the larger narrative of the documentary. In addition, the choice to use minimal editing techniques and very little musical assistance fits in perfectly with what the documentary is trying to achieve. Overall, I believe it was as well made documentary that could have used another set of eyes looking over some of the details such as making it a balanced discussion within the narrative but I do want to implement the technique of using anecdotes to help guide the overall narrative of the documentary.
The Ted Bundy Tapes
A documentary series following the chilling story of the serial killer, Ted Bundy, this objective documentary gives a balanced, detailed and contradictory re-telling of the life of this man. Using archive audio from the confessions of the killer, it flips from his childhood to the start of his killing spree that was yet to be revealed and gives this feel of organized chaos, which is similar to how he murdered and presumably, what happens in his head. It gives a balanced recounting of his life from his point of view (where everyone likes him and he is the golden child) to the viewpoint of his neighbours and people close to the family (an odd, awkward child that didn't fit in). It's mysterious, scandalous and disturbing how the videos you are watching and the stories you are hearing about a handsome, charming young man are about that same man who murdered many women in cold blood. The documentary uses a lot of era footage such as news stories and 1oo hours of tapes over a sixth month period (75-80 tapes) to tell the story in chronological order. The documentary has a very serious tone to it that is meant to inform people of the story of the murderer and is almost used as a warning to not trust people so easily and be careful no matter if you think someone looks friendly or not. All of the music and sound is used so not to distract from the main story but to set the atmosphere and be there in the background just as a storytelling aid. All the interviews, including the tapes, are used to tell the story and continue the narrative so that the objective can be achieved. Any graphics that are used are minimal and again used to tell the story. This is a very high end, well-produced documentary that had a lot of time and money put into it about a topic that is very relatable all around the world. By telling the story and hearing the voice of the killer, it makes the murders and tragedy more real and heartbreaking as it gives the killer a personality and opinions which people can agree with. The delivery of the storyline is expertly combined with all elements of the documentary such as the footage and audio. Finally, the slow release of each piece of information and facts creates a tense and suspense-filled series that is spine-chilling and the audience wanting to find out what happens next.
Miss Americana
All about the rise to fame of the artist of the decade, Taylor Swift, this is a subjective documentary that highlights her point of view on all of the biggest controversies in her career as well as the artistic growth of her music along the way. The entire documentary is structured in chronological order with the voice of Taylor explaining her ideology and views on the events being shown to the audience giving them a deeper dive into the reasons behind each action and the effect of each success or failure. This was clearly made to help Taylor connect with her fans further and share her story with the world so that her actions are explained and the way she created her songs are out in the open. It helps aspiring artists learn more about the industry and brings to light all the ups and downs this brings. It is a well put together documentary that displays many different artistic techniques to tell the story mostly with the use of "fly on the wall" camera angles and very little direction and input from the filmmakers that are following the superstar about. Interviews are rarely used but narration is very prominent as well as found footage from throughout Taylors career. Another outstanding feature was the use of her music throughout the entire documentary that lined up with overarching narrative of her career was a good choice and added an extra element to the documentary that improved it overall. What essentially made this documentary successful was the concept more than how it was produced. The idea that fans would get to see Taylor behind closed doors in her every day life, the struggles, the music and the relationships that a star deals with is one of the most interesting topics nowadays. Music documentaries featuring huge talents a bound to be successful and greatly watched due to the pre-existing fanbase that is almost certain to watch it as well as many industry professionals interested in the behind the scenes of their lives. In conclusion, I believe this was the best produced and best narrative documentary out of the three as the concept was already strong due to the high demand of artist documentaries, but they then made a very well composed film on top of that to make this successful.