Moving Images, Understanding Media

Chapter 6 Recording and Presenting Reality 237

Analysis: Short Documentaries

For a series of short documentary fi lms including Looking Back by Emile Bokaer

(see included DVD), you will discuss the following questions. Select two of the

fi lms for an analysis of contrasting approaches to documentary fi lmmaking.

For the choices, consider the following methods present in the fi lms:

• Voice-over in fi rst person


• Filmmaker present in the images


• Journalistic mode: third person voice-over (reporter) or written
  titles (informational)


• Methods of direct cinema (generally observational camera)


• Methods of abstract or non-verbal non-narrative cinema

A. Content

1. In one sentence, describe the central subject of the
   motion picture.


2. What provides information to the viewer about the topic
   of movie? List the types of footage and visual and sonic
   elements of the documentary.


3. Pick three moments from the fi lm that stand out to you.
   Why are they important?
   B. Structure


4. If you were to break the fi lm down into three to fi ve
   sections, what would be the parts? Describe them briefl y
   (one sentence or less each).


5. Looking back at how you divided the motion picture,
   what happened at the transition points between each
   section?


6. Is the motion picture narrative or non-narrative? Or do
   you see it somewhere in between? Why?


7. In either case, how does the motion picture structure the
   images so that they are understandable?
   C. Cinematic Style


8. Describe the cinematography of the motion picture,
   including use of movement, framing and depth, and
   qualities of light, dark, and color.


9. What is the pace of the editing? Are many shots held for
   more than 10 seconds? Note if those shots are interviews.


10. Do sequences move forward in terms of a straightforward
    narrative or presentation of clearly progressing images,
    or is there an alternative pattern to the arrangement of
    shots?

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