Documentary
This weeks reading dealt with what a documentary is. A documentary usually differs from other films in the fact that it represents real, factual information to the audience. The reading then went on to discuss the elements of truth and opinion within a documentary and how even though a documentary may be proven to be false, that does not make it fictional.
Subsequently, the reading then described the difference between documentary and fiction and how although a film may be fictional, it may still have some relevance in terms of historical context etc.
The reading then illustrated the different genres of documentaries. There are genres such as compilations, interviews, direct-cinema and, the classic, nature documentary.
It was interesting to find out about the different types of form in documentary films. If a documentary is used to illustrate categorised information, it is said to have categorical form, however, if it intends to create an argument, it is said to have rhetoric form.
Categorical form is used to convey specific information in a certain order or pattern – the film is broken up into segments or chapters. Interestingly, Categorical form allows the audience to interpret the film on many different levels (referential etc.)
On the other hand, Rhetoric form differs to categorical form as it not only presents information, but uses the information to convey a specific argument or stance on an issue. Fascinatingly, filmmakers use rhetoric form to subtly project their argument or opinion by disguising them as observations or factual assumptions for the audience to accept for themselves.