Customer Reviews

Capturing Reality: The Art of Documentary

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is another class act from the National Film Board of Canada, which is continually winning awards for the quality of its productions. Director Pepita Ferrari interviewed 38 well-known documentarians for the core 97-minute film. You'll know a few like Errol Morris and Albert Maysles and you've probably seen a few of films covered, such as "Touching the Void". After watching this you'll probably head to your local video store (or Amazon) to seek out some more. The 163 film clips includes are just teasers.

I was thrilled to see that French Director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade was included. His two English language films - made for HBO - "Murder on a Sunday Morning" and "The Staircase" are two of my all-time favorites and I wanted to know more about him. (See my reviews of these films elsewhere on Amazon). The bonus features consist of additional interview segments and can be searched by topic or by the director's name. There's almost four hours worth! I did find the navigation of these segments a bit hard to maneuver but that was the only thing I found to be lacking in the DVD.

If you love watching documentaries, this is a DVD you must see. It explains both the thought process and the differing opinions among the filmmakers as to whether music is necessary and whether its appropriate to dramatize certain scenes. If you are new to the genre - maybe you have only seen hits like "Grey Gardens" or "Hoop Dreams" or "The Thin Blue Line" - consider this a starting place to explore further.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

The DVD is arranged by topics with various individuals giving their perspective. Also included are conversations with filmmakers about their work and approach to making documentary film. It should be noted that this is produced by a Canadian group so filmmakers are largely from Canada. I think it offers a good insight into the way people approach their work leading you to learn that creating your own style is important. I would definitely recommend the DVDs for anyone serious interested in making documentaries.

If you are thinking of covering a topic or are already doing so, you have to realize that you have a big responsibility to your audience and subject. This DVD takes you to those men and women that do make docs, and they tell us about being out in field, how they handle real situations, and how they capture events. This is very good for getting a grip on just what it means to tell someone's story, or to record an event. All story tellers have to show respect to those they record or tell about. The footage here is great too.

I thought this dvd was reasonable but not really what I was looking for. I wanted something for my Film Studies students and although it has one or two useful comments in it, mainly, it's about the experience of filming rather than the technique of film. One or two nuggets of good advice and that's it. But, nevertheless, some interesting comments about the film making process.

2008's "Capturing Reality" is an essential film for anyone with an interest in documentary filmmaking. With the genre expanding and evolving, the boundaries of traditional documentaries has been and is being stretched and explored. Here, you get to see some of the top filmmakers in the world (Errol Morris, Werner Herzog, Albert Maysles among others) offering their spin on truth and perspective. Not everyone agrees on what should be or should not be allowed in the genre, but that's part of what makes this picture so insightful. There is a lot of specific talk about a number of great and important films, about the process, and about cinema in general. A must-see for true cinephiles. KGHarris, 10/11.

Many inspiring quotes and opinions from a wide range of documentary makers - iti's especially interesting when they contradict each other's ideas in their separate interviews. Also a good introduction to a range of doco films that I wasn't aware of but will now seek out. it would have been nice to see more of the film-makers in action but this is a small quibble.

This DVD just interviews some documentary filmmakers and one says one thing, another says something completely different. Bottom line, just get out there and do it in your own style. Very little if any technical details on using film making equipment or lighting, or sound suggestions. Mainly dialog of personal opinions. Very boring. Sorry I bought it, but you never know. Too bad I couldn't have rented it first.