Documentary Film: A Very Short Introduction
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Documentary film can encompass anything from Robert Flaherty’s pioneering ethnography Nanook of the North to Michael Moore’s anti-Iraq War polemic Fahrenheit 9/11, from Dziga Vertov’s artful Soviet propaganda piece Man with a Movie Camera to Luc Jacquet’s heart-tugging wildlife epic March of the Penguins. In this concise, crisply written guide, Patricia Aufderheide takes readers along the diverse paths of documentary history and charts the lively, often fierce debates among filmmakers and scholars about the best ways to represent reality and to tell the truths worth telling.
Beginning with an overview of the central issues of documentary filmmaking–its definitions and purposes, its forms and founders–Aufderheide focuses on several of its key subgenres, including public affairs films, government propaganda (particularly the works produced during World War II), historical documentaries, and nature films. Her thematic approach allows readers to enter the subject matter through the kinds of films that first attracted them to documentaries, and it permits her to make connections between eras, as well as revealing the ongoing nature of documentary’s core controversies involving objectivity, advocacy, and bias. Interwoven throughout are discussions of the ethical and practical considerations that arise with every aspect of documentary production. A particularly useful feature of the book is an appended list of “100 great documentaries” that anyone with a serious interest in the genre should see.
Drawing on the author’s four decades of experience as a film scholar and critic, this book is the perfect introduction not just for teachers and students but also for all thoughtful filmgoers and for those who aspire to make documentaries themselves.
About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life’s most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.
From the Publisher
Publisher : Oxford University Press; First Edition (November 28, 2007)
Language : English
Paperback : 176 pages
ISBN-10 : 0195182707
ISBN-13 : 978-0195182705
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 6.8 x 0.5 x 4.2 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book informative, useful, and inviting. They say it covers the subject well and is well-written. Readers also mention the book is a good read for documentary film lovers.
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13 reviews for Documentary Film: A Very Short Introduction
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Marc Ratner –
It is a hort introduction but quite useful in clarifying the varieties of Docu films
Insightful study of Documentary films. It is a hort introduction but quite useful in clarifying the varieties of Docu films. The author demonstrates a clear history of the beginnings of these films after WW I and takes us to the present uses of the films often distinguishing between informative films and propaganda. A useful introduction.
Michael Nielsen –
Great little text, a little too much on international titles
Patricia’s short introduction is a great little book because the she hits all the biggies (film makers, modes, etc) of documentary film without the higher level conceptual stuff that makes Bill Nichols’ book a hard read for my undergraduates. That is the good bit. On the down side, she cites a lot of non US films that are hard to get; that makes it less useful for small programs that don’t have such an extensive film library. I will order this book again next time around. One thing is certain: The price is right!
Patricia H. Stell –
Huge amount of info in a small book
Aufderheide’s small book is packed with information, but so beautifully organized you can actually find what you’re looking for. Tight, cogent prose makes it both an excellent history of, and an inviting introduction to documentary film. And once you’ve read it, you have a nifty little handbook!
Thomas –
Gift
Bought as gift
ESandov –
Tiny little book, with tiny little print.
This book fits in your pocket and covers the subject pretty well. Its tiny and so is the print but its definitely portable.
KDonovan –
Contemplating making a Doc
I’m constantly looking for new ways to expand my portfolio and directing a documentary film is definitely a project I’m considering. This book has been a great introduction to the goals/execution of making a documentary.
Richard R. Casper –
Very Interesting
I read the whole book in 2 sittings. Very well written and organized. A good read for documentary film lovers. Especially beginners.
JW –
Courses
This got me through class and got me the credits – fun read actually
Law Tech –
This is an excellent and entertaining book. I will be watching documentaries with a different eye thanks to this helpful guide to their history and construction.
Amazon Customer –
Il testo è completo e molto chiaro nell’organizzazione complessiva degli argomenti e nella forma. Una buona introduzione sul tema, che prepara il lettore ad orientarsi nella scelta di successivi approfondimenti. Questi sono necessari per approfondire soprattutto gli aspetti più tecnici.
Lucas Vasconcellos –
Well organised and structured. Weird choice of words per times. But it worth it.
Mr. John A. W. Steers –
I am studying Documentary at University and this is a very useful book. It was agood price and had a quick delivery.
Aaron Hayden –
Gives a good overview of documentaries history, especially it’s first few decades. But it’s full of very academic writing, so be warned if you want a little more romance in your history!