Journalism Theroux The Ages: Why documentaries matter.
It doesn’t matter if you’re curious about the lifestyle of an orthodox group, desperate to know the ins and outs of veganism or trying to find out more about drag culture, you name it there’ll be a documentary with everything you need to know. Seriously, just flick through Netflix (other streaming services are available…) and you’ll find something perfectly suited to your viewing preferences.
Whilst the debate as to whether documentaries are officially classed as journalism is ongoing, I believe they hold the ability to be one of the most influential forms, particularly as they tend to attract interest from a curious, younger generation, supplying viewers with a source of both entertainment and education.
Defined as the ‘creative treatment of actuality,’ in 1926 by John Grierson, documentaries allow viewers to gain a in-depth and unique insight into a particular subject matter, often one that is taboo or underrepresented. They also allow an audience to connect on a deeper and more intimate level with a certain story or group of people. Whilst mainstream journalism can often be tied down to day-to-day updates such as political stories and current affairs, documentaries have the ability to explore more unique and peculiar subjects, and allow viewers to follow a journey.
In his article ‘Why Documentaries Matter Now More Than Ever’ Simon Kilmurry explains “ Documentary film is a form that allows us to walk in another’s shoes, to build a sense of shared humanity, that gives voice to the marginalised and the scorned, that strives to hold those in power to account.” Kilmurry perfectly summaries the various aspects that come together to explain the importance of this genre.
What makes a documentary? John Corner identifies five central elements of documentary, these are:
1. Observation-This is when the camera is placed as though it isn’t there, which allows the audience to act as eye-witnesses to the scene.
2. Interview-Most documentaries include interviews in order to gain a better understanding of the issue being discussed, or to add further context. They allow for multiple insights, opinions and agendas to be included.
3. Dramatisation-Documentaries will often include a sense of dramatisation through conflict or tension.
4. Mise-en-scene-The use of particular props, lighting etc. in order to communicate a certain message.
5. Exposition-This is when the objective of the documentary is being discussed. This can be done through interviews, narration and commentary.
Now, I couldn’t talk about documentaries and not mention the one and only Louis Theroux. The award-winning documentary filmmaker has produced countless documentaries investigating issues from eating disorders and plastic surgery to life inside orthodox groups. I don’t think a single term went by in sixth form where I wasn’t subjected to one of Theroux’s documentaries. Subjected may be the wrong word, I actually looked forward to them (and no, it wasn’t because watching them resulted in a lack of reading or writing for the lesson, although granted, that was an added bonus). I loved the way Louis managed to gain such a deep and developed insight into a world that was completely alien to him. Perhaps it was the sense of open-mindedness he maintained from the very beginning, right to the end of his journeys.
I once again took to Instagram to see the popularity of documentaries amongst my followers. When asked ‘do you regularly watch documentaries?’ 76% of 208 participants replied ‘yes’ whilst 24% stated that they did not. This suggests that documentaries are very much still relevant, particularly amongst a younger audience. This may be down to increased accessibility from streaming services, or perhaps numerous national lockdowns have forced us to fill our time with quirky documentaries, particularly if they are trending online and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the inevitable memes that come hand in hand with a viral topic.
So, if you’re like me and can’t go one week without watching some kind of documentary or if you’re new to the genre, feel free to take a look at my top 5 recommendations:
1. A Secret Love (2020) this powerful love story details the lives of lesbian couple, Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, who kept their relationship a secret from their family and friends for years.
2. Louis Theroux: The Most Hated Family In America (2007) One of Theroux’s most renowned documentaries, join Louis as he meets the founders of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church.
3. 3 Identical Strangers (2018)A set of triplets unknowingly separated at birth in the name of science reunite by chance in the 1980s.
4. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014) An eyeopening, environmental documentary exploring the detrimental effects factory farming have on our planet.
5. Louis Theroux: Surviving America’s Most Hated Family (2019) If you enjoyed the original 2007 documentary, you’ll be interested to see how the church and community have developed in 2019, since the death of the church’s leader.
Do let me know if you watched any of the above and feel free to leave your documentary suggestions in the comments below!
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U x
