What Makes a Good Documentary Film?

23 Dec

Documentary films are a unique and powerful medium that can educate and inform audiences about a wide variety of topics. When done well, they can provide new information and insights into complex issues, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the world around them.

To be effective, a good documentary film should be thoroughly researched, presenting a fair and balanced view of the subject matter. It should also be engaging, telling a story that will capture the viewer's attention and keep them engaged throughout.

With so much to consider, it's no wonder that making a truly great documentary film making is such a challenge. However, when done right, the rewards can be well worth the effort.

When is a Documentary Film Considered "Good"?

There is no easy answer to the question of when a documentary film is considered "good." This is because the quality of a great documentary movie depends on a variety of factors, including the subject matter, the director's vision, and the audience's reaction.

Documentaries can be beautiful and moving, but if it doesn't appeal to a wide audience, it may not be considered "good." When executed correctly, a documentary film can rival the popularity of even fiction films.

Likewise, a documentary can be technically excellent, but if it doesn't have an interesting or compelling story, it may not be considered "good." In the end, it is up to each individual to decide what makes a good documentary.

Types of Documentary Films

There are many different documentary types. Some focus on a specific topic, such as history, nature, or social justice. Others tell the story of a particular person or event. Some are light and entertaining, raising questions such as ‘Do documentaries have to be factual? While others are more serious and thought-provoking. Regardless of their topic or style, all documentary film types should be well-made and provide viewers with a new understanding of the world around them. It is traditionally accepted that 6 types of documentary styles form the sub-genres of the documentary genre itself. These include:

Participatory documentaries

The participatory documentary is a relatively new genre of documentary film. They differ from traditional documentaries in that they allow the audience to participate in the filmmaking process. This can take many different forms, such as providing feedback or suggestions online, sending in photos or videos, or taking part in live forums or chats.

Participatory documentaries often have a more informal feel than traditional documentaries, and the filmmakers often communicate directly with the audience members. This type of documentary is still relatively new, and there is no set formula for how it should be made. However, it is becoming more and more popular, as viewers crave a more interactive experience when watching a documentary.

Performative Documentaries

Performative documentaries put the filmmaker's personal involvement with the subject at the forefront, using their experience or relationship with the subject as a way to explore larger truths about politics, history, or groups of people.

Observational documentary films

Observational documentaries are a type of documentary film that captures the reality of a situation or event. It is often shot without any narration or interviews, letting the footage speak for itself. This type of documentary is often seen as more objective than other types, as it doesn't try to manipulate the viewer's opinion.

Reflexive documentaries

Reflexive documentaries are films that are aware of its own constructedness and often uses metafictional devices to call attention to the fact that it is not a "true" representation of reality.

While reflexive documentaries sound confusing on paper, a good example would be The Thin Blue Line.

Expository documentaries

Expository documentaries are documentaries that are designed to educate viewers about a specific topic or issue. It usually features a presenter who provides information and commentary about the subject matter. One of the best examples of expository documentaries is David Attenborough’s The Blue Planet (2001) or the Natalia documentary, the controversial The Curious Case of Natalia Grace (2023).

Poetic documentaries

Poetic documentaries are a type of documentary that uses poetic devices to create a more artistic and evocative presentation of the subject matter. It often features beautiful visuals and lyrical narration to create a more sensory experience for viewers.

"The Corporation" is a good example of a poetic documentary. It uses stunning visuals and poetic narration to create a powerful and thought-provoking experience for viewers.

What was the First Documentary film?

Nanook of the North is a classic documentary that was filmed in 1922 by Robert Flaherty. It tells the story of Nanook, an Inuit man who lives in the Arctic Circle, and it offers a unique glimpse into traditional Inuit life.

Despite its age, Nanook of the North is still an important and powerful film. It is recognized as the first documentary film and it helped to establish the genre of documentary filmmaking. It is a must-see for anyone interested in documentaries or in history.

Some of The Best Documentary Films

Over the past century, documentaries have brought to light some of the most important stories of our time that film critics have acclaimed. From hard-hitting exposés to intimate character studies, these films have had a profound impact on the way we see the world. Here are just a few of the best documentaries of all time:

"Hoop Dreams" (1994)

This documentary film examines the lives of two young basketball players from Chicago who dream of making it to the NBA. Through their trials and tribulations, the film provides a powerful look at race, class, and opportunity in America.

The Thin Blue Line" (1988)

This documentary film tells the story of a man who was wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death row. The film raises questions about the reliability of eyewitness testimony and highlights the flaws in our justice system.

"Grizzly Man" (2005)

Grizzly Man chronicles the life of Timothy Treadwell, a self-proclaimed grizzly bear expert who lived with the bears for 13 summers. Treadwell's story is both tragic and fascinating, raising questions about our relationship with nature and wild animals.

Best Thought-Provoking Documentary Films

One of the best ways to learn about other cultures and viewpoints is to watch thought-provoking documentaries. These films offer an in-depth look at a wide range of topics, from environmental issues to social injustice, offering truthful insights a feature film can’t deliver

They can be eye-opening and even life-changing, challenge our preconceptions, and open our minds to new ideas and perspectives. Some of the best thought-provoking documentaries include "The Cove," which raises awareness about the cruel treatment of dolphins in Japan; "Food, Inc.," which examines the dark side of the food industry; and "An Inconvenient Truth," which highlights the dangers of climate change. Watching these documentaries can help us to understand the world around us better and make more informed choices about the way we live our lives.

The Future of Documentary Filmmaking

The field of documentary filmmaking has come a long way since the early days of Nanook of the North. In recent years, there have been some major advances in the genre, thanks to new technologies and techniques that have allowed filmmakers to tell more powerful and engaging stories.

One of the biggest advances in documentary filmmaking has been the rise of digital video. With digital video, filmmakers can now capture footage in high definition quality, which allows for a more immersive and realistic viewing experience. Additionally, digital video makes it easier to edit footage, which gives filmmakers more flexibility in terms of how they tell their story. They also inspire as documentary ideas for students.

Another big advance in documentary filmmaking has been the rise of online streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. These services have given documentary filmmakers a new platform to share their work with the world, and they have helped to increase awareness of documentaries as a genre. The Cannes Film Festival in France hosts one of the most prestigious documentary film competitions, called Cannes Docs.