🎞️Documentary Forms Unit 15 – Documentaries: Shaping Public Opinion

What Are Documentaries?

• Non-fictional films that explore real-world topics, events, or individuals
• Aim to educate, inform, and persuade audiences about a particular subject
• Often have a specific point of view or argument they seek to convey
• Utilize various storytelling techniques to engage viewers (interviews, archival footage, narration)
• Can cover a wide range of subjects (social issues, historical events, personal stories)
• Differ from fiction films in their commitment to portraying reality, although the filmmaker's perspective shapes the narrative
• Serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring change on important issues
• Have the potential to reach a wide audience and generate public discourse

Key Elements of Documentaries

• Real-world subject matter that is carefully researched and presented
• A clear and compelling narrative structure that guides the viewer through the story
• Interviews with experts, witnesses, or individuals directly involved in the subject
• Archival footage, photographs, and documents to provide historical context and evidence
  • These materials can help to illustrate the reality of the topic being explored
  • Often used to create a sense of authenticity and credibility
• Cinematic techniques (camera angles, lighting, sound design) to enhance the emotional impact
• A distinct point of view or argument that the filmmaker seeks to convey
  • This perspective may be explicitly stated or implied through the selection and presentation of information
• Narration or voice-over to provide context, guide the story, and express the filmmaker's perspective
• Authentic locations and settings that relate directly to the subject matter

Historical Impact of Documentaries

• Early documentaries in the 1920s and 1930s (Nanook of the North, Man with a Movie Camera) experimented with the form and laid the foundation for the genre
• World War II era documentaries (Why We Fight series) used as propaganda to shape public opinion and boost morale
• 1960s and 1970s saw a rise in social issue documentaries (Harlan County USA, The Thin Blue Line) that exposed injustices and advocated for change
• Environmental documentaries (An Inconvenient Truth, Blackfish) raised awareness about climate change and animal welfare, influencing public policy and consumer habits
• Documentaries have played a role in shaping public opinion on various issues (civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, income inequality)
• Some documentaries have led to real-world impact (Super Size Me and changes in McDonald's menu, Invisible War and reforms in military sexual assault policies)
• Advances in technology have made documentaries more accessible and allowed for new forms of storytelling (interactive documentaries, VR experiences)
• Streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu) have increased the reach and popularity of documentaries in recent years

Techniques for Shaping Public Opinion

• Presenting a clear and persuasive argument that appeals to the viewer's emotions and logic
• Using interviews with experts or individuals directly affected by the issue to establish credibility and create an emotional connection
• Carefully selecting and editing footage to emphasize key points and create a desired narrative
• Employing music, sound design, and visuals to evoke specific emotions and reinforce the message
• Utilizing shocking or disturbing images to create a sense of urgency or outrage
• Presenting counter-arguments and then refuting them to strengthen the filmmaker's perspective
• Encouraging the viewer to take action or get involved in the issue through calls to action or providing resources
• Leveraging social media and online platforms to generate buzz and encourage sharing of the documentary's message

Case Studies: Influential Documentaries

• Super Size Me (2004): Explored the health effects of fast food, leading to changes in McDonald's menu and increased awareness of obesity epidemic
• An Inconvenient Truth (2006): Raised public awareness about climate change and inspired a global conversation about environmental issues
• Blackfish (2013): Exposed the mistreatment of orcas in captivity, leading to changes in SeaWorld's policies and a decline in attendance
• The Invisible War (2012): Investigated sexual assault in the U.S. military, leading to reforms in how the military handles sexual assault cases
• 13th (2016): Examined the racial inequalities in the U.S. criminal justice system, contributing to the ongoing conversation about mass incarceration and racial justice
• Food, Inc. (2008): Exposed the industrial food system and its impact on public health and the environment, influencing consumer habits and food policy
• The Act of Killing (2012): Confronted the perpetrators of the Indonesian genocide, sparking a national conversation about the country's history and the need for accountability
• Citizenfour (2014): Documented Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance, raising concerns about privacy and government overreach

Ethical Considerations

• Balancing the need to inform the public with the potential harm to individuals featured in the documentary
• Obtaining informed consent from participants and being transparent about the filmmaker's intentions
• Avoiding exploitation or sensationalism in the portrayal of sensitive topics or vulnerable populations
• Fact-checking and verifying information to ensure accuracy and credibility
• Disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may influence the documentary's perspective
• Considering the impact of the documentary on the subjects' lives and communities
• Being mindful of the power dynamics between the filmmaker and the subjects, especially when working with marginalized communities
• Respecting the privacy and dignity of individuals featured in the documentary
• Taking responsibility for the potential consequences and real-world impact of the documentary's message

Creating Your Own Documentary

• Identify a compelling and relevant topic that you are passionate about and can thoroughly research
• Develop a clear and focused narrative structure that will guide your storytelling
• Conduct extensive research to gather information, expert opinions, and potential interviewees
• Secure funding and resources through grants, crowdfunding, or partnerships with organizations aligned with your topic
• Obtain necessary permits and permissions for filming in specific locations or interviewing certain individuals
• Conduct interviews with experts, witnesses, and individuals directly affected by the issue, ensuring informed consent and transparency
• Gather archival footage, photographs, and documents to provide historical context and evidence
• Utilize cinematic techniques (camera angles, lighting, sound design) to enhance the emotional impact and reinforce your message
• Edit your footage to create a compelling and persuasive narrative that communicates your perspective effectively
• Consider your target audience and the potential impact of your documentary on individuals, communities, and society as a whole
• Develop a distribution and outreach plan to ensure your documentary reaches its intended audience and generates meaningful discussion and action

Future of Documentaries and Public Opinion

• Increasing accessibility and reach through streaming platforms and online distribution
• Growing demand for diverse voices and perspectives in documentary filmmaking
• Emergence of new technologies (virtual reality, interactive documentaries) that offer immersive and engaging experiences for viewers
• Potential for documentaries to drive social and political change by raising awareness and inspiring action on pressing issues
• Collaborations between documentary filmmakers and journalists to create impactful and investigative stories
• Rise of citizen journalism and user-generated content, allowing for more diverse and grassroots perspectives in documentary storytelling
• Challenges in maintaining credibility and trust in an era of "fake news" and misinformation
• Need for ongoing discussions about the ethical responsibilities of documentary filmmakers in shaping public opinion
• Opportunities for documentaries to foster empathy, understanding, and dialogue across diverse communities and perspectives