2.2 Major Movements and Technological Advancements
4 min read•august 6, 2024
sparked a surge in documentary filmmaking, with shaping public opinion and chronicling wartime experiences. These films played a crucial role in preserving historical records and influencing collective memory of the war.
The emergence of in the 1960s revolutionized documentary style. Technological advancements like and portable cameras enabled filmmakers to capture reality as it unfolded, minimizing intervention and letting subjects speak for themselves.
World War II and Propaganda
Propaganda Films During Wartime
Top images from around the web for Propaganda Films During Wartime
Category:Why We Fight - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Triumph of the Will - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Película: Why We Fight (el complejo industrial militar norteamericano) : Los Huevos y las Ideas View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Why We Fight - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Triumph of the Will - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Propaganda Films During Wartime
Category:Why We Fight - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Triumph of the Will - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Película: Why We Fight (el complejo industrial militar norteamericano) : Los Huevos y las Ideas View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Why We Fight - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Triumph of the Will - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Propaganda films used to shape public opinion and garner support for the war effort
- Governments commissioned documentaries to promote their ideologies and agendas (Triumph of the Will, Why We Fight series)
- Films often portrayed the enemy as evil and dehumanized while glorifying the nation's own military and cause
- Documentaries served as a tool for psychological warfare and manipulation of the masses
World War II Documentaries
- World War II saw a surge in documentary production to chronicle the events of the war
- Films captured the experiences of soldiers on the front lines and the impact of the war on civilians (The Battle of Midway, The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress)
- Newsreel footage and combat photography provided raw, unfiltered glimpses into the realities of the war
- Documentaries played a crucial role in preserving historical records and shaping collective memory of the war
Cinéma Vérité and Technological Advancements
Cinéma Vérité Movement
- Cinéma vérité, meaning "cinema truth," emerged in the 1960s as a new documentary style
- Emphasized capturing reality as it unfolded, without staged or scripted elements
- Filmmakers aimed to minimize their intervention and let the subjects and events speak for themselves
- Pioneered by filmmakers such as , , and
Technological Advancements Enabling Cinéma Vérité
- Sync sound allowed for the simultaneous recording of image and sound, enhancing the realism of documentaries
- Filmmakers could capture authentic conversations and ambient sounds in real-time
- Eliminated the need for post-production dubbing or voiceovers
- became more portable and affordable, enabling filmmakers to be more mobile and discreet
- Smaller cameras could be handheld or mounted on the shoulder, allowing for greater flexibility in shooting
- Filmmakers could capture spontaneous moments and follow subjects more easily
- Portable cameras and sync sound revolutionized documentary filmmaking by enabling a more immersive and observational approach
Observational and Participatory Modes
Observational Mode
- involves the filmmaker taking a "fly-on-the-wall" approach, observing events without intervention
- Filmmakers aim to be as unobtrusive as possible, capturing life as it unfolds naturally
- Minimal editing and absence of voiceover narration to maintain the sense of realism (, )
- Observational documentaries often have a raw, unpolished quality that enhances the authenticity of the footage
Participatory Mode
- involves the filmmaker actively engaging with the subjects and participating in the events being documented
- Filmmakers may conduct interviews, provoke reactions, or even become part of the story themselves (, )
- Participatory documentaries often explore the relationship between the filmmaker and the subjects
- The filmmaker's presence and influence on the events are acknowledged and sometimes become a central theme
Reflexive Mode
- draws attention to the process of filmmaking itself and the constructed nature of documentaries
- Filmmakers may break the fourth wall, address the audience directly, or reveal the behind-the-scenes aspects of production (, )
- Reflexive documentaries challenge the notion of objectivity and encourage viewers to question the representation of reality
- This mode often blurs the lines between documentary and fiction, highlighting the subjectivity of the filmmaker's perspective
Expository, Poetic, and Performative Modes
Expository Mode
- relies on a clear, authoritative narrative to convey information and arguments
- Filmmakers use voiceover narration, interviews, and archival footage to present a specific perspective or thesis (, )
- Expository documentaries often have a didactic tone, aiming to educate and persuade the audience
- The filmmaker's voice is dominant, guiding the viewer's understanding of the subject matter
Poetic Mode
- prioritizes artistic expression and subjective experiences over objective reality
- Filmmakers use unconventional narrative structures, visual metaphors, and abstract imagery to evoke emotions and convey ideas (, )
- Poetic documentaries often have a lyrical or impressionistic quality, emphasizing mood and atmosphere over factual information
- The meaning is often open to interpretation, inviting the viewer to engage with the film on a personal level
Performative Mode
- blends documentary elements with performance, often featuring the filmmaker or subjects as central characters
- Filmmakers may stage or reenact events, incorporate fictional elements, or use personal experiences to explore broader themes (, )
- Performative documentaries challenge traditional notions of authenticity and blur the boundaries between reality and representation
- This mode often addresses issues of identity, memory, and subjectivity, emphasizing the personal and emotional dimensions of the subject matter
Key Terms to Review (26)
16mm film cameras: 16mm film cameras are a type of motion picture camera that uses 16mm wide film stock, widely popular for both amateur and professional filmmaking. These cameras became a significant technological advancement in the film industry, offering a more affordable and portable alternative to larger formats, which contributed to the democratization of filmmaking and the growth of documentary practices.
Cinéma vérité: Cinéma vérité is a style of documentary filmmaking that combines observational techniques with a focus on reality, often featuring real-life events captured in an unobtrusive manner. This approach seeks to present authentic narratives while balancing the filmmaker's presence and objectivity, resulting in a more truthful representation of the subject matter.
Edgar Morin: Edgar Morin is a French philosopher and sociologist, known for his work in the field of complex thought and systems theory. His approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of knowledge and the need for interdisciplinary study, which has significant implications for understanding movements and technological advancements in society.
Expository Mode: Expository mode is a style of documentary filmmaking that aims to inform and explain, using a clear, direct approach that often includes voice-over narration, interviews, and visual aids. This mode connects the viewer to a specific argument or viewpoint, making it especially relevant in discussing the relationship between documentary and journalism, as it seeks to present facts and ideas in a compelling manner.
High School: High school is an educational institution that typically encompasses grades 9 through 12, serving students usually between the ages of 14 to 18. It plays a crucial role in preparing students for college, vocational training, or the workforce, and often includes a diverse curriculum aimed at fostering both academic and personal development.
Jean Rouch: Jean Rouch was a French filmmaker and anthropologist, widely regarded as a pioneer of ethnographic cinema. His innovative approach blended documentary filmmaking with fictional elements, which helped to redefine the relationship between the filmmaker and the subjects, creating a new form of participatory cinema that emphasized the collaborative nature of documentary storytelling.
Koyaanisqatsi: Koyaanisqatsi is a 1982 experimental film directed by Godfrey Reggio that combines slow-motion and time-lapse footage of various aspects of life in the United States, set to an original score by Philip Glass. The film explores themes of imbalance between nature and modern civilization, representing a unique documentary form that transcends traditional narrative structures while being influenced by technological advancements in filmmaking.
Man with a movie camera: Man with a Movie Camera is a 1929 silent documentary film directed by Dziga Vertov, showcasing everyday life in Soviet Russia through a series of innovative cinematic techniques. This groundbreaking work is emblematic of the avant-garde movement and highlights the potential of film as a medium for social commentary and artistic expression, influencing both documentary filmmaking and the way we perceive reality on screen.
March of the Penguins: March of the Penguins is a documentary film released in 2005 that chronicles the annual journey of Emperor penguins in Antarctica as they march across the ice to their breeding grounds. This film highlights the struggles and resilience of these penguins in harsh conditions, showcasing both their natural behavior and the impact of environmental changes on their survival.
Observational mode: Observational mode is a documentary filmmaking style that emphasizes a direct and unmediated representation of reality, allowing viewers to experience events as they unfold without interference from the filmmaker. This approach often utilizes handheld cameras and natural lighting to create a sense of authenticity and intimacy, presenting subjects in their natural environments. The focus is on capturing real-life moments, encouraging audiences to draw their own conclusions about the events being depicted.
Participatory Mode: Participatory mode is a documentary filmmaking style where the filmmaker actively engages with the subjects and events being documented, creating a collaborative relationship that influences the narrative. This mode emphasizes the involvement of the subjects in the storytelling process, often blurring the lines between observer and participant, and showcasing authentic experiences through interaction. This approach fosters a sense of shared authority and can lead to a more intimate portrayal of the subjects' realities.
Performative mode: The performative mode in documentary filmmaking emphasizes the filmmaker's personal engagement and presence within the narrative, blurring the lines between observation and participation. This mode often involves the filmmaker actively participating in the story being told, which can lead to a more subjective interpretation of reality and foster an emotional connection with the audience.
Poetic Mode: The poetic mode in documentary filmmaking is a style that emphasizes visual aesthetics, metaphor, and emotional resonance over traditional narrative structures. This approach often seeks to evoke feelings and provoke thought, using imagery, sound, and rhythm to create a more immersive experience for the audience. It connects deeply with major movements and technological advancements in the documentary field by pushing the boundaries of how stories are told and experienced.
Propaganda films: Propaganda films are a genre of film specifically designed to promote a particular political agenda or ideological viewpoint, often through the use of persuasive storytelling and emotive imagery. These films have played a significant role throughout history, especially during times of war, where they have been used to shape public opinion and rally support for government policies. Their influence can be seen in various major movements and technological advancements, as filmmakers adapt to new mediums to effectively convey their messages.
Reflexive mode: Reflexive mode is a documentary style that draws attention to the filmmaking process itself, highlighting the relationship between the filmmaker and the subject. It emphasizes self-awareness and critical reflection, often making viewers conscious of how documentaries are constructed. This mode challenges traditional notions of objectivity by showcasing the subjective lens through which stories are told, often questioning the authenticity and authority of the medium.
Richard Leacock: Richard Leacock was a pioneering documentary filmmaker and a key figure in the development of direct cinema, which emphasizes capturing events as they happen with minimal intervention from the filmmaker. His innovative approach revolutionized documentary filmmaking by using lightweight cameras and portable sound equipment, allowing filmmakers to closely follow their subjects in real-time and reflect a more authentic representation of reality.
Salesman: A salesman is a professional who sells goods or services to customers, often playing a crucial role in the marketing and distribution processes. In the context of various documentary forms, salesmen are often portrayed to examine themes such as consumerism, capitalism, and personal ambition, while technological advancements have transformed how salesmen operate in both documentary storytelling and real-life practices.
Sans soleil: 'Sans soleil' is a French term meaning 'without sun,' and it refers to Chris Marker's 1983 film that blends documentary and fictional elements, presenting a meditation on memory, time, and the nature of reality. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and its exploration of themes such as cultural identity, history, and the passage of time, employing both video footage and still images to create a unique viewing experience.
Shoah: The term 'Shoah' refers specifically to the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of approximately six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime during World War II. The word itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'catastrophe' or 'destruction,' and it emphasizes the unique suffering and historical significance of this event in Jewish history and memory.
Sync sound: Sync sound refers to the audio that is recorded simultaneously with the visuals during filming, creating a cohesive relationship between what is seen and heard on screen. This technique is crucial in capturing authentic dialogue and ambient sounds in a way that enhances the viewer's experience and maintains the reality of the film's environment. It plays an important role in the effectiveness of observational filmmaking and reflects the technological advancements that have shaped documentary practices.
The act of killing: The act of killing refers to the intentional taking of another's life, a central theme in various forms of documentary filmmaking that explore the moral, ethical, and emotional implications of violence and conflict. This term connects deeply with the portrayal of real-life events, often revealing the complexities behind human actions, societal impacts, and the consequences of war and violence on individuals and communities.
The arbor: The arbor refers to the vertical component of a film projector that holds the film in place and controls its movement through the projection mechanism. It is crucial for ensuring that the film runs smoothly and without interruption, thereby directly affecting the quality of the projected image. The arbor has played a significant role in advancements related to projection technology and has influenced various movements in filmmaking.
The Civil War: The Civil War was a pivotal conflict in United States history that occurred from 1861 to 1865, primarily fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). This war was fueled by deep-rooted issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic disparities, leading to significant political, social, and technological changes within the country.
The thin blue line: The thin blue line is a symbol often associated with law enforcement, representing the role of police in maintaining order and separating society from chaos. In the context of documentaries, this term highlights the complexities surrounding police culture, accountability, and the societal impact of law enforcement practices.
Waltz with Bashir: Waltz with Bashir is a 2008 animated war documentary film directed by Ari Folman that explores the director's own memories of his experiences as a soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War. The film utilizes a unique blend of animation and documentary techniques to create a haunting and surreal narrative that delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of war on the human psyche.
World War II: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. This war had a profound impact on societies, economies, and international relations, leading to significant advancements in technology and changes in political structures worldwide.