Analysing the conventions of 3 documentaries that have the same genre - Major task
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
"Vivos" (2020)
"Vivos" (2020) is a documentary by Ai Weiwei that dives into the lives of families hit by the 2014 student kidnapping from Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College in Iguala, Mexico. The film uses close-up interviews and real footage to show how the tragedy continues to affect those left behind.
Summary
Debuting on January 24, 2020, at the Sundance Film Festival, the documentary focuses on the disappearance of 43 students and their families' relentless pursuit of justice amid systemic violence and corruption. The title is inspired by the protest chant, “Vivos se los llevaron, vivos los queremos” (“Alive they took them, alive we want them back”), capturing the families' demand for answers. The film mixes personal stories with poetic visuals to amplify the voices of the victims' families.
Production Details
Directed by Ai Weiwei, "Vivos" runs for 112 minutes with dialogue in Spanish and English, featuring English subtitles. It earned a Special Mention at the 2020 Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival.
Style and Techniques
The documentary takes a calm, observational approach, steering clear of the fast-paced, investigative style typical of political or true-crime films.
Key stylistic elements include:
Observational realism: Captures families' ongoing grief through everyday moments, highlighting the passage of time and unresolved loss.
Static cinematography: Uses still shots and portrait-like compositions to convey emotional and social stagnation.
Aestheticised imagery: Poetic visuals create a contemplative tone, allowing emotions to shine without heavy narration.
Narrative shift: As the story moves from private grief to public protest, the film becomes more dynamic, featuring handheld camera work during demonstrations.
Interviews, voiceovers, and occasional expert commentary provide context while keeping an intimate, human-centered perspective.
White Noise (2020)
"White Noise" (2020), directed by Daniel Lombroso and produced by The Atlantic, takes a look at the rise of the alt-right in the U.S. and beyond. Through interviews and observational footage, it follows key figures in the movement, offering a peek into their views and influence.
Key Details
Director: Daniel Lombroso (his first feature film)
Premiere: AFI Docs, June 20, 2020
General Release: October 21, 2020
Runtime: 94 minutes
Featured figures:
Richard B. Spencer: White nationalist leader
Mike Cernovich: Conspiracy theorist and media personality
Lauren Southern: Anti-feminist, anti-immigration YouTuber
Summary
Based on four years of reporting, the documentary follows these online personalities as they rise to fame and face internal conflicts, public backlash, and legal issues. It highlights tensions within the movement and shows how extreme ideas mix with mainstream politics and digital platforms.
Reception
The film got mostly positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it important, timely, and unsettling. It won Best Documentary at the Raindance Film Festival and was a finalist for the Livingston Award in National Reporting. Some critics noted its observational style, expressing concerns it might humanize its subjects or lack direct counterarguments.
Style and Techniques
"White Noise" blends investigative journalism with observational filmmaking, painting a detailed and intimate picture of its subjects.
Observational (vérité) approach: Lombroso spent a lot of time with participants, capturing raw, behind-the-scenes moments.
Character-focused narrative: The film emphasizes individual experiences over broad historical context.
Limited participation: While mainly observational, the director sometimes challenges subjects during interviews.
Neutral presentation: The lack of voiceover lets viewers interpret events themselves.
Journalistic framework: Backed by The Atlantic, the film has the depth and structure of long-form reporting.
Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist (2024)
This documentary, directed by John Larkin, takes a look at the making and lasting impact of "The Exorcist" (1973). It includes interviews with cast and crew, along with archival and production footage, offering a reflective look at the film’s legacy.
Summary
Released on October 25, 2024, the film runs for about 62 minutes. It was independently produced over five years on a modest budget of around $31,000 and is available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, and Plex.
Content and Focus
The documentary features actors like Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, alongside crew members such as Chuck Waters and Juliet Taylor. It also includes the final recorded appearances of figures like Rev. William O’Malley and Christopher Newman.
Instead of just focusing on technical details, the film highlights the emotional and psychological experiences of those involved. It explores the tough conditions during production, including the controlled set environment and the physical strain on performers. Personal stories cover casting choices, practical effects, and stunt work.
Additionally, it reflects on the film’s historical significance, including strong audience reactions at the time of release and its lasting influence on the horror genre.
Style and Approach
Uses in-person “talking head” interviews
Incorporates archival material to support testimonies
Maintains a reflective and introspective tone
Avoids narration and remote interviews to keep a cinematic feel
Reception
The documentary has been praised for its thoughtful perspective and original insights. Critics have commended its emotional depth, with UK Film Review giving it a 4/5 rating, while audiences on IMDb have rated it 8.4/10.
Overall Form
The film can be seen as:
A behind-the-scenes look at production elements like casting, sound, and effects
An emotional reflection on the experiences of those involved
A cultural analysis of its impact and legacy
An independent passion project, shaped by long-term development and a focused creative vision
Conlusion
I also had The Social Dilemma recommended to me, but since I already covered it in my case studies, I decided to explore other documentaries. Molly Mea's documentary also matches the styles I like, though her documentary is more observational with some expository bits thrown in. From the documentaries I picked for my case studies, it's clear I like these styles because, as shown in the three documentaries I analysed above, they really capture emotion and real-life experiences. For the type of documentary I am aimming to create, these are exactly the vibes I want the audience to feel.
Style and techniques/shots:
Observational realism: capturing the connection between a sports influencer and her use of social media through an formal and informal interview at her home.
Classic interview/static cinematography will be employed for more serious topics. She might sit on the couch for a question-and-answer session, engaging in a deeper conversation as if speaking directly to the audience. My role will be to channel the audience's curiosity and ask questions they would be interested in.
Utilize archive footage from games and social media to visually complement her story and responses.
This might include showcasing her trophies or jerseys and discussing the significance of the important ones. If she mentions her family, I could briefly highlight her relationship with her mom and maybe her children talking through the phone with them. As the narrator, I plan to minimally intervene in this discussion, allowing it to naturally connect to the topic and her explanations about the trophies and her mom. This approach might eliminate the need for me to ask about the trophies, as she may naturally discuss them. Letting the story flow as I would be someone watching her everyday life, not being able to talk, only to observe and to see what her life actually looks like.
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