Dramatic Development, Time and Story Structure
Michael Rabiger, 2009, Directing the Documentary, 5th Edition (Focus Press) pp.283-291
This chapter focused on elements that can be used to create drama within a documentary. These elements included the types of characters necessary to create drama – heroes and heroines, structural ways to create drama – the dramatic arc and three act structure, and the use of time.
The books author, Michael Rabiger, is an English director, editor and producer. Having worked on the production of over 35 films, Rabiger certainly has authority in this field. Given his experience in the area, readers are far more inclined to take what he says on board. His points are made clearly in language accessible to anyone, making them easier to understand and process. “Directing the Documentary” has been cited many times as one of the best guides to documentary making ever written, adding to Rabigers credibility.
The chapter brought to my attention how even documentaries, that are seemingly focused more on truth and fact rather than the narrative created rely on narrative structure and dramatic arcs to be effective. This makes a lot of sense, a documentary where nothing happens – no complication or climactic event – would make for very dry viewing. Further, heroes and heroines don’t belong solely in the adventure or fantasy genres, but also in the documentary. This makes sense as generally a documentary will try to create reality as realistically as possible, and there are heroic people in reality although it may not be evident in our day to day lives.