Documentary Films: A History

A documentary film is a nonfiction movie that aims to document reality for educational, instructional, or historical record-keeping purposes. These films have evolved significantly over time, from their early origins as "actuality films" to their modern iterations.

Pre-1900: Visual Records

Early documentary films, known as actuality films, were short, one-minute or less, and depicted everyday events like train arrivals or factory workers leaving work. Prominent examples include Auguste and Louis Lumière's films shown on YouTube.

Robert Flaherty's "Nanook of the North" (1922) marked a significant turning point, embracing romanticism and presenting a staged version of Native American life.

1920s-1930s: City Symphonies and Avant-Garde Exploration

City symphony films, influenced by modern art movements, captured the life and pulse of urban areas, such as Berlin, Paris, and New York. Directors like Paul Strand, Alberto Cavalcanti, and Dziga Vertov experimented with avant-garde techniques.

1930s-1940s: Propaganda and Social Awareness

The rise of fascism and communism led to the production of propaganda films, such as Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will" (1935) and Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series (1942-1944).

Meanwhile, documentary films like Pare Lorentz's "The Plow That Broke the Plains" (1936) and Willard Van Dyke's "The City" (1939) used a combination of social and ecological awareness, government propaganda, and leftist viewpoints.

1950s-1970s: Cinema Vérité and Political Weapons

Cinema vérité emerged as a groundbreaking technique, using lightweight cameras and portable sound equipment to capture personal moments. "Cinéma-vérité" and "direct cinema" pioneers like Jean Rouch, Frederick Wiseman, and Robert Drew sought to portray reality without excessive editorial interference.

Modern Documentaries

Modern documentaries have seen the incorporation of social impact campaigns and the use of digital video cameras and computerized editing. They often explore personal narratives and address contemporary social issues.

Documentary Film Types

Documentaries can be classified into various types:

  • Observational: Minimally interventionist, aiming to spontaneously capture subjects.
  • Expository: Provides a direct and authoritative commentary, often with historical perspectives.
  • Participatory: Acknowledges the filmmaker's influence on the events being documented.
  • Reflexive: Emphasizes the constructed nature of documentaries and the subjective perspective of the filmmaker.
  • Performative: Stresses subjective experiences and emotional responses, often employing unconventional and experimental techniques.

Educational Value

Documentaries play a crucial role in education, providing information on a wide range of topics and reinforcing lessons.