Update #2

Having had trouble deciding on films to sample as part of opening montage of my docummentary, I have decided to shift my aim slightly and I have decided instead to concentrate on one film in particular. As I am partly studying 'Oldboy' as part of my CRS I have decided that making a docummentary using material from it may be useful for both parts of the course. Instead of looking generally at violence I shall instead look at one particular case. I have also decided to change the people that I interviews. Originally planning on ask a partent their opinion on supposedly violence material on childrens programmes I have decided instead to interview a Psychologist on their ideas as to why a person may been led towards real life violence as a results of viewing similar material on screen.

Textual Analysis #3

'Behind The Beat' (A2 Production)


‘Behind The Beat’, although short in length manages to include a number of documentary conventions, in such a way that it doesn’t appear cramped or over done, as well as providing it’s audience with information on it’s chosen subject in an entertaining and interesting way. Interviews and footage from local gigs give a detailed insight into the subject and provide a fairly detailed explanation of what ‘beatboxing’ actually is as well as describing it’s history, amazingly this doesn’t feel rushed despite all taking place within the space of five and a half minuets. The interviewee and subject, at all times sounds knowledgeable as well as believable and is obviously very talented. The production makes effective use of low budget and its relatively plain setting (rural Suffolk) makes for an exciting contrast when compared with the underground beatboxing scene which it hides. Shots are held perfectly steady when need be and are very varied, ranging from close ups and tilted shots of the interviewee to long shots which show the setting. A wide range of shots also allows the producer to keep the audience attention by changing location regularly. A particularly effective shot is one that is taken out of the front window of a car and shows the journey to a club in Ipswich, which is speeded up allowing the production to flow seamlessly. The first shot we see is an establishing shot which slowly pans around to give the viewer a feel for the area as well as set them up for a contrast when the production gets going. If there were one problem with the production it would have to be the quality of the voice over but there is little way of correcting this due to the lack of available equipment. I am inspired by the variety of shots within this video and will attempt to use some of them within my own production. I also like the fact the subject matter is presented in an entertaining way and this combined with the varied shot types makes for a thoroughly enjoyable video.

Textual Analysis #2

The Manson Family (Jim Vanbebber, 2003)

‘The Manson Family’, directed by Jim Vanbebber is a documentary film, detailing the most ‘notorious mass murderers in American history’. The film combines archive footage of interviews and videos with a basic fictional narrative, resulting in an interesting yet occasionally confusing film. The pacing of the film is fascinating set in 1996, some time after the killings, the opening depicts a fanatical group sending a video to the director of the ‘Charlie Movie’. From here is begins to cut between this narrative, the story of the Manson ‘family’ (from their points of view) and interviews with former members. A slight problem with how the narrative is intergrated is the fact that at certain points it doesn’t seem to have much to do with the point which the documentary is actually trying to make and though it certainly adds a lot to the film it seems only their to take up time. I like the idea of mixing a fictional narrative with factual information and believe it would work extremely well if done slightly better. If I had more time in order to make my documentary I might attempt to include a basic narrative plot in order to enforce a point. Unlike Fahrenheit 911, 'The Manson Family' isn't so much attempting to make a point on any thing rather simply showing people the facts and allowing them to decide for themselves, this also however gives a slightly less personal feel in the directorial style, somthing which I enjoy in Michael Moore's films. 'The Manson Family' does not at any point use a voice over, a common trait of documentary.

Textual Analysis #1

Fahrenheit 911 (Michael Moore, 2004)

Michael Moore is commonly criticised for his obvious manipulation of footage, which results in many of his subjects appearing like fools, always to his own great advantage. A clear example of this is shown during Moore’s controversial interview with Charlton Heston during which Moore’s hat changes colour revealing that it was likely shot at separate times before being edited together. Interestingly though, throughout ‘Fahrenheit 911’ it appears that Moore moves away from his usual directorial style and leaves much longer un-edited sections of speech. Certain sections do tend to drag on and though they are helpful in putting across Moore’s points as well as take away the argument that Moore may be manipulating speech, they are occasionally painfully un-edited. Moore employs no middle man into his discussions or views and generally only interviews people that either share his same view or which will only serve to make opposing ideas seem ridiculous. This means that we as an audience get a very one sided account of events, the way in which it is presented however, forms an extremely effective argument and one which is difficult to disagree with. Though at times the satirical nature of Moore’s voice-over may seem insensitive it is one of the main ways in which he gets his points across, the fact that it makes fun of serious and sensitive subject helps to make them seem foolish and in turn makes opposing views seem unwise and thoughtless.

Update #1

I have decided to produce a documentary for my A level coursework which means giving myself a chance to experiment with a new media form. The decision to work alone means that I can have full control over what I do and cannot be blamed (or have anyone else to blame) when something goes wrong, which inevitably it will. I have already settled on ‘Violence in The Media’ as a subject for my coursework as it is a topic I am interested in I have however yet to decide on a name for my project.

As part of my pre-production work I intend to produce audience research questionnaires, which will allow me to discover information on a possible audience market. I shall analyse a number of documentaries such as ‘Bowling for Columbine’, 'Fahrenheit 911' (both Michael Moore) and ‘Biggie and Tupac’ (Nick Broomfield) as well as past A2 productions. I also intend to hold focus groups allowing myself to gain a deeper understanding of audience’s expectations of a documentary.