The Devil Made Me Do It is the first documentary I researched.
The Type Of Documentary
The type of documentary is mixed because it has a combination of voice over, observations, reconstructions and interviews these documentarys push the narrative form. The observations and visuals act as evidence to your 'facts'.
Themes
The themes used in this documentary are Religion, Music, Murder, youth of today, how the media effects people and their lives also if they can make an influence on people to do something they normally wouldn't. For example how the youth of today are portrayed and how the media can easily influence them.
Religion is deffinatly an important theme because the murder of the nun shows how the gothic representation and influence from Marilyn Manson has opposed the cathlic religion and how you are supposed to act.
Narrative Structure
At the beginning the documentary sets up a story however we still don't know whats going on and how everything is linked, for example we are told how where and when the nun was murderd but we still dont know why. The middle creates conflict and confuses the audience, which is that an investigation is started and this leads to Marilyn Manson and that he is now involved and to blame. The end of the documentary creates a resolution which is that the girls that brutally murdered the nun go to jail and this makes us believe that the villege will go back to normal again.
Camerawork
Low angles where used on Marilyn Manson to show importance however high angles are used on the audience to make them look vunerable. Canted camera angles where used in the interviews to connote emotion. A crane shot was used over the villege to make it look isolated and vunerable this connotes such a brutal murder has been commited in such a small town in Italy.
Also there is a establishing shot of the town in Italy to show the audience/viewers where the murder has taken place. Two shots where used to represents two sides of the story or opinion for example the three girls that had murdered the nun, their freinds where talking about the three girls and there obsession with Marilyn Manson and to why they had commited this sin and on the other hand the man and women talking about the murder and what had taken place on the day. Other high angles shots where used over the grave yard to dramatise the situation. Also they use big close ups of the experts to reinforce that they are important and know what they are talking about.
Mise en Scene
The Devil Made Me Do It come across quite dark and gothic as they convey alot of violence, death and generally quite dark topics the mise en scene helps connote this theme. For example in some interviews the interviewee would have a shadow on the side of their face from the background image, this gives a good contrast to the background image and the interviewee to look 'mysterious' or 'dark'. Also by showing teenagers drinking, swearing, wearing black make up and being very disrespectful gives off a very stereotypical view of the youth of today. The establishing shot is of the peaceful town of Italy however as the documentary continues the mise en scence changes to a very contraversial scene, Marilyn Manson's concerts which are completly the oppersite from the mise en scene at the beginning.
The location of the interviews in very important because if an interviewee is being interviewed in their own home then they are more comfortable answering you questions as they are familiar with the scenery therefore less nervous and more willing. One of the experts was a women dressed in a red suit this connotes power, because red is a 'powerful' colour and so she stands out in a crowd in the train station, we could also suggest that she was 'power dressing'. We are taken back to the location where the murder had taken place this evokes emotion from the viewer. Marilyn Mansons fans where portrayed quite badly, because then where shown wearing dark make up and quite gothic but this is very stereotypical because they may not dress or act like that on an everyday basis and that they could just be getting into the spirit of the concerts for one night only, so this gives a perception to the viewers however may not be entirely true.
Sound
Non diegetic sound is used to shock or dramatise the situation, however sound effects are used also to evoke emotion and feelings from the viewers for example as the story of how the nun was brutally murdered there where heartbeats, bashing noises as though the rock was bashing against the nuns head. Owl sounds to connote this was commited in the night whilst noone was around. Spiritual and religious music is used to create a religious moral towards the storyline, which is shown whilst the images of the teenagers being disripectful where on, this shows the contrast between the two.
Editing
Match on action and shot reverse shot are used between Marilyn Manson and his fans to show Marilyn Manson as the higher power and his fans are inspired to be him and vunerable. An eye line match is used to make us 'feel' what the nun felt to get a reaction from the viewers. There is alot of long takes, and establishing shots for narrative.
Graphics
For the graphics they use a religious font, this reflects the theme they want to portray. The font is white on a basic background, the white could also connote heaven, the graphics where simple so they did not detract from the visuals.
The Music Biz was the second documentary I researched.
Type Of Documentary
This documentary is mixed because it has a mix of voice overs and archive footage of premiers. These help to present evidence.
Themes
The themes that used in this documentary are maketing campains, the importance of christmas number 1 in the charts, the importance of selling an artist and the reserection and comeback of an artist.
Narrative Structure
At the beginning shows the comeback of Meatloaf and makes the viewers ask 'will it be successful?' In the middle creates a problem because Meatloafs music videos where costing alot of money which then effects funding and budgeting of the videos. At the end of the documentary it concludes that Meatloaf was infact successful and did get number 1 at christmas and stayed there for 8 weeks. This shows that all the money spent was well worth it in the end.
Camerawork
Zooms where used on Meatloaf for example in his music video the camera zooms in on him in the bush and stays focused to show that he is important in this shot. A two shot was used between Meatloaf and the director Micheal Bay showing the power struggle between the two. Meatloaf asked the camers 'Do I look ok?' and the camera nodded, this was unconventional and this now becomes a self reflective documentary because he is talking to the camera. Pans where used in the board room to show each person and the buisness side of the music industry, close ups of Meatloaf connote that he is important and the main focus.
Mise en Scence
The Mise en scene is always relevent with the use of green screen alows them to add backgrounds with promotional images in interviews. There are some very popular and influencial locations used such as the music capital London, the red carpet events this is when they use cut aways of the premiers. This makes the viewers think whether it is more the fame people want or the music they produce? The music industry uses media to help promote artists, like when Meatloaf appeared on Pat Sharpe's Good Morning Britain, this was a very popular radio station therfore promoting to a wider audience, cut aways of this where shown.
Sound
Natural sound is used in interviews this makes the interview more realistic. The soundtrack was mixed in with the the voiceover, also non-diegetic sound is used to evoke feelings from the viewers for example in the cut aways of Meatloaf they used heatbeat sounds to connote the struggle with the funding of his music videos.
Editing
Cut aways are used of people placing bets on whether Meatloaf will meet Christmas Num 1, also cut aways where used in press interviews about Meatloaf and newspaper cut aways. Shot Reverse Shot Between director Micheal Bay and Meatloaf, this suggests the relationship between the two. Dissolves and Fades where used to change to the next shot/scene.
Archive Material
In this documentary there is alot of Archive Footage, like the YMCA music video, the Top of the Pops video and the Award Ceremonies. The use of Mr Blobby's music video and Take that's to show the competition that Meatloaf has to watch.
Graphics
At the bottem left hand side of the shot is the interviewee's name, who they are and The Music Biz Logo this makes it seem for official. Magazine covers are used as backgrounds as if the interviewee is the focus of the magazine.
Marketing Movies is the next documentary that I analised.
Type of Documentary
This type of documentary is mixed because again it has a mix of voiceovers, observations, archive footage and narrative.
Themes
The themes used is this documentary are the Media and how marketing within the film industry will effect sales, also how merchandising can help boost the morale of the film. The target audience is discussed because they want to address specific audiences.
Narrative Structure
At the beginning the documentary poses a question like 'Why is marketing important?' which sets it nicely. The middle creates conflict if the film did not hit the target audience they wanted and how the Mouse Hunt had overcome the bad reviews and in the end became successful and all the marketing payed off as people wanted to go out and watch it.
Camerawork
Close ups used of the interviewee's are used this connotes importance. Panning shots where used of the merchandising of products to help promote the film, also close ups of money exchanging hands for the products being sold like Tetlys Tea Bags. A high angle shot is used of London to portray how they merchandise in the Capital and not in small towns this will increase funding. On the other hand static/stationary shots are used which can be quite boring and serious. The interviewee was positioned to the side of the camera in some interviews.
Mise en Scene
Alot of the Mise en Scene is placed at box offices or cinemas, could have been set anywhere but they chose these places because they relevent to the documentarys theme and subject matter. Everyone in the documentary is British and no Americans speaking this is relevent aslo as they set it in the film making Capital in the UK, London. Also this where Mousehunt will be released.
Sound
Natural sound of the interview with a music bed makes sure that it is kept bubbly and not too serious. Various music was played throughout and the sound continued over a new set of visuals.
Editing
Fades where used however this portrays the documentary to be quite ameture because you could used a cut away instead to make it look more professional.Lots of cuts where used between the action in the Interviews, and used dissolves between interviews and cutaways this creates a flowing effect to the interviews. Dissolves where also used between interviews to the next shot.
Archive Material
The archive material in this documentary where film trailors which where used to support how marketing is successful or not and footage from premiers to show how people are 'into' the film.
Graphics
Most of the graphics are self explanatry, simple and some colourful graphics tokeep the viewers intrested.
That Thing: Lara Croft is another documentary I looked at.
Here is a link to the Lara Croft fan website: http://www.tombraider.com/server.php?action=setCountry&country=Europe&countryCode=en-GB&outputLang=
Type Of Documentary
Once again this is a mixed documentary although there is only a small part of narration and voiceovers it is still a mixed documentary.
Themes
The themes discussed in this documentary are Feminism and Post Feminism because Lara Croft goes against the sterotypes of women. Also the media effects and how we react, another theme is that Lara croft is a huge product in its self.
Narrative Structure
At the beginning the documentary introduces the game there is no real point to it, however in the middle presents a problem from Lara Croft having small breasts and a small bum to then having big breasts and a big bum this is not ethnical this goes more towards the stereotypes. Aslo the producers where scared incase Angelina Jolie dictates to what Lara Croft can and can't do. In the end the resolution is that the video game was infact successful and Lara Croft was celebrated as a character by men and women.
Camerawork
Over the shoulder shots of different audiences playing the game, men and women of different ages. Big close ups of people being interviewed this connotes that these people are the focus that they are important. Canted camera of the main focus of this documentary which is Lara Croft and the man that created the game, this aslo shows there relationship (also canted angles from the game).Pans where used to look at the keyboard action going on as the players are playing on Lara Croft.
Mise en Scene
The Mise en scene was relevant as the Interviewee's where interviewed on a dark background, it gave the impression that they where apart of the computer game, in contrast with other people such as Angelina Jolie who was in a lit up background to show she is the main focus.Sound
Natural sounds are used from the interviews, sound from the computer game where also used this leads the audience/viewers in a certain way as grunting noises from Lara Croft are heard this connotes her being 'sexual'. Madonnas techo music could also be heard to show the variety of age groups that could be watching. Music beds are important to use in documentarys.
Editing
Some of the editing was fast motion at times to suggest an urgency for this product. Cutaways where used during the interviews, which where fast pace and fast cuts where used when people where playing the game to fasten up the speed.
Archive Material
The archive footage in this documentary is mostly from the Tomb Raider game, this let us see why the game is so popular.
Graphics
The graphics are once again quite simple and self explanatry, 'That Thing' is used as a gimmik with all their documentarys.
Inside 9/11 Zero Hour
Type of documentary:
This documentary is mixed because it has a combination of voice over, observations, reconstructions and interviews these documentaries push the narrative form. The observations and visuals act as evidence to your facts.
Themes:
The Themes discussed in this documentary are Religion, Suicide, Murder, Terrorism and the Terrorist attacks on the world trade centre in 2001, also discusses the conspiracy theories involved around this attack.
Narrative Structure:
In the beginning the documentary reconstructs the attack on the twin tower, the middle creates conflict and explains why it happened and makes the audience ask whether it was a terrorist attack or if that was just a conspiracy. However at the end of the documentary it shows how it was resolves and the viewers have a clear picture into why this dreadful terrorist attack had taken place in 2001.Camerawork:
A range of camera angles are used that are relevant to the topic discussed, for example big close ups are used of the four men that led the attack and zooms are used to show their eyes, almost like they have hatred in them and no emotion. Handheld camera is used in the reconstruction of the movements of the four men, this makes the audience feel as though they are actually there experiencing it. This evokes emotion from the viewers. Close ups of interviewee’s shows importance and helps support the idea that they are experts on the topic discussed. A high angle shot is used of an elevator with the number 63 on it, this connotes the 63rd floor and how the attack was so close if not higher to this floor.
Mise en Scene:
In the interviews the backgrounds are pitch black with the interviewee in a bit of light, this creates a shadow on one side of the interviewees face. This symbolizes the darkness and sadness into what has happened to the world trade centers. Also the interviewees wear black clothing and suits this shows them paying tribute to that awful day and the suits represent intelligence.
Sound:
The voiceover is quite a deep and serious, also the documentary uses a male American voice. Phone calls from the American 11 flight to the Air Defense Sector Headquarters are heard over visuals on screen this help the viewers put the story together better. Non Diegetic sound is used like Sirens and people screaming this dramatizes the situation. Music embedded under the narrative are used to evoke feelings from the viewers. On the other hand natural sound is used in the interviews to create a sense of realism.
Editing:
Cut aways are used of inside a plane and planes flying to try and give visuals under the narrative to what happened, also shots of the Twin Towers before the terrorist attacks this shows the viewers the extent to the damage that had been done. Aerial shots of Portland Maine USA sets the scene for the viewers. A close up shot of Muhammad Atah is flowing like in the wind this could connote a flag of the country blowing in the wind. Fades are used from one image to another, Pans around the Air Defense Sector Headquarters are used to show how these are very important. A lot of cut away shots of Osama Bin Laden are used this connotes how he could be involved and to blame for the terrorist attacks on The World Trade Centre.
Archive Material:
There is a lot of archive material in this documentary because it help support their view on what had happened, used as evidence to the narrative. Security footage is used of the four men said to be leading the attack on the Twin Towers checking in the airport. Archive footage of the actual attack shown and videoed by the general public this dramatizes and shocks viewers. Also news coverage’s are used to show the world wide shock to what had happened, for example CNN live. Shots of President Bush at the time as he gets the news of the attack and a zoom is used to show his facial expression.
Graphics:
In the interviews there are simple graphics, which are a black background and white font saying the interviewee’s name and who they are. As the reconstruction is played the time it had taken place faded in and out at the bottom left, helps the viewers put the story together through visuals and narrative. Finally computerized images of the towers support the narrative and it explains the different floors and levels in the towers.
The Michael Jackson Story
Type of documentary:
This documentary is mixed because it has a mixture of visuals, archive footage, interviews and voiceovers.
Themes:
The themes that are used in this documentary are Fame, Fortune, The struggle between your personal life and fame, the music industry and family.
Narrative Structure:
The narrative structure in this documentary is in the beginning it introduces Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five. The middle in controversial as Michael Jackson launches his solo career at just 17, ‘when Michaels popularity went into orbit’. However his personal life was getting in the way, the rumors about his molestation case, and when he was arrested his still acted as if nothing could hurt him. In the end of the documentary Michael Jackson was found not guilty and he announced his comeback concert which was also his last concert in London, and he said goodbye.
Camerawork:
In the interviews shallow focus was used to show how the interviewee was the main focus of the shot and they are important. Pans where used on the newspaper articles to let the viewers see more clearly what was going on in the tabloids. Shot reverse shot is used on Michael Jackson and his fans at his concert, low angles are used for his fans to show they look up to him and are venerable, they long for him however high angles are used on Michael Jackson to show he is the higher power he is their ‘hero’. The interviewee’s sit at either the left side of the camera or the right instead of the middle this creates variety, also close ups of the interviewee’s to symbolize importance.
Mise en Scene:
The Mise en Scene in this documentary is always relevant to the topic in question, for example a background in the interview has music awards, cds and records to connote his achievements in the music industry. A lot of things are colorful and upbeat like back in the 70’s – 80’s when Michael Jackson was a child, the interviewee’s are wearing quite colorful clothing this connotes that they are celebrating his life and not mourning his loss.
Sound:
Natural sound is used in the interviews to create realism, Michael Jackson’s songs where played behind the narrative which acts as a music bed. Voice over is used with a male voice however not as serious as other documentaries. A quote from Michael Jackson was played ‘I feel as if I have a suit of armor on, nothing can hurt me’, this shows the determination that he has to not letting the controversial rumors get to him and let his fans down.
Editing:
Cut aways are used from Michael Jackson concerts, his fans screaming and longing for Michael, parts of his music videos, and cut aways of him singing as a child, teenager and an adult. Zooms are used with the cut aways of the newspapers so that the viewers can read the articles properly, also a zoom is used on Michael Jacksons face to show his facial expressions and emotion. Fades are used from one image to another however this can be said to be amateur. Throughout the documentary Archive footage of Michael Jackson performing as he grows up from a child to an adult.
Archive Material:
There is a lot of relevant Archive material such as footage from his concerts, form his music videos and old footage from when he was a child, showing his talent and love for music even when he was a child. The Jackson Five performing is shown this help compare Michael from then to now and how far and successful he has become. However footage of Michael Jackson being arrested for molestation claims, this automatically makes the audience judge Michael in a bad way even though he was found not guilty.
Graphics:
The graphics are simple and self explanatory, in the interviews the name of the interviewee in a simple white font and what their relationship to Michael Jackson is, this helps the audience get a picture of his life.
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