9.5 Narrative structure in documentaries

Documentaries use narrative structures to shape real-world stories for audiences. By blending factual information with storytelling techniques, filmmakers create compelling content that engages viewers and communicates complex ideas effectively.

Understanding different narrative approaches is crucial for documentary makers. From linear chronologies to character-driven stories, the choice of structure impacts how audiences interpret and connect with the subject matter, influencing the overall impact of the film.

Elements of documentary narrative

• Documentary narrative structures shape how real-world stories are presented to audiences in film and television productions
• Understanding different narrative approaches helps filmmakers effectively communicate complex ideas and engage viewers
• Narrative elements in documentaries often blend factual information with storytelling techniques to create compelling content

Linear vs non-linear structures

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• Linear structures present events in chronological order, following a clear timeline from beginning to end
• Non-linear structures jump between different time periods or storylines, creating a more complex narrative
• Linear structures often used for historical documentaries or biographies (Ken Burns' "The Civil War")
• Non-linear approaches can highlight thematic connections or create suspense (Errol Morris' "The Thin Blue Line")

Character-driven narratives

• Focus on the personal experiences and journeys of specific individuals or groups
• Often use intimate interviews and observational footage to build emotional connections
• Can humanize complex issues by showing their impact on real people's lives
• Employ character arcs to show growth, change, or revelation over time (Steve James' "Hoop Dreams")

Issue-based narratives

• Explore broader social, political, or environmental topics rather than individual stories
• Often incorporate expert interviews, statistics, and archival footage to build arguments
• Can use multiple case studies or examples to illustrate different aspects of an issue
• May employ a journalistic or investigative approach to uncover new information (Laura Poitras' "Citizenfour")

Historical narratives

• Reconstruct past events using a combination of archival materials and expert commentary
• Often employ reenactments or dramatizations to bring historical moments to life
• Can focus on well-known events or uncover lesser-known stories from the past
• May use narration to provide context and guide viewers through complex historical information (Ava DuVernay's "13th")

Storytelling techniques

• Documentaries employ various storytelling techniques to engage audiences and convey information effectively
• These techniques help structure narratives, create emotional impact, and maintain viewer interest
• Understanding storytelling techniques allows filmmakers to craft more compelling and memorable documentaries

Exposition and setup

• Introduces key characters, settings, and themes at the beginning of the documentary
• Establishes the central question or conflict that will drive the narrative
• Provides necessary background information to help viewers understand the context
• Can use a combination of interviews, narration, and archival footage to set the stage (Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine")

Conflict and tension

• Introduces obstacles, challenges, or opposing viewpoints to create dramatic tension
• Can be external (character vs environment) or internal (character vs self)
• Builds suspense and keeps viewers engaged throughout the documentary
• May use cliffhangers or teasers to maintain interest across multiple scenes or episodes (Netflix's "Making a Murderer")

Resolution and closure

• Provides a sense of conclusion or resolution to the main conflicts or questions raised
• Can offer clear answers or leave some aspects open to interpretation
• May include reflections on the broader implications of the documentary's subject matter
• Often includes a call to action or suggestions for further exploration of the topic (Davis Guggenheim's "An Inconvenient Truth")

Voice-over narration

• Uses a narrator to guide viewers through the documentary's content and themes
• Can provide additional context, explain complex ideas, or offer commentary on events
• Narration style can range from objective and informative to personal and reflective
• May be delivered by the filmmaker, a professional voice actor, or a relevant personality (Werner Herzog's distinctive narration in "Grizzly Man")

Point of view in documentaries

• Point of view refers to the perspective from which a documentary is presented to the audience
• Different approaches to point of view can significantly impact how viewers interpret and engage with the content
• Choosing an appropriate point of view is crucial for effectively communicating the filmmaker's intended message

Observational approach

• Aims to capture events as they unfold without direct intervention from the filmmaker
• Often uses handheld cameras and natural lighting to create a sense of immediacy
• Minimizes the use of narration, interviews, or other explanatory devices
• Allows viewers to draw their own conclusions from the observed events (Frederick Wiseman's "High School")

Participatory approach

• Involves the filmmaker actively engaging with subjects and becoming part of the story
• Can include on-camera interviews, interactions, or the filmmaker's personal journey
• Often acknowledges the presence of the camera and the filmmaking process
• Can create a more personal and subjective viewing experience (Michael Moore's "Roger & Me")

Reflexive approach

• Draws attention to the documentary-making process itself
• Questions the conventions of documentary filmmaking and the nature of representation
• May include behind-the-scenes footage or discussions about the challenges of making the film
• Encourages viewers to think critically about how documentaries shape our understanding of reality (Trinh T. Minh-ha's "Reassemblage")

Narrative arcs

• Narrative arcs provide structure and shape to documentary storytelling
• Different arc structures can be used to organize information and create emotional engagement
• Choosing the appropriate narrative arc depends on the subject matter and the filmmaker's goals

Three-act structure

• Divides the narrative into three main parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution
• Act 1 introduces characters and establishes the central conflict or question
• Act 2 develops the conflict, presenting obstacles and complications
• Act 3 brings the story to a climax and provides a resolution or conclusion
• Commonly used in character-driven documentaries (Sarah Polley's "Stories We Tell")

Five-act structure

• Expands on the three-act structure with additional stages of development
• Typically includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement
• Allows for more complex storytelling and multiple plot points
• Can be effective for issue-based documentaries with multiple threads (Joshua Oppenheimer's "The Act of Killing")

Episodic structure

• Presents a series of loosely connected events or stories rather than a single overarching narrative
• Can be organized thematically or chronologically
• Allows for exploration of multiple perspectives or aspects of a subject
• Often used in historical documentaries or series (Ken Burns' "The Vietnam War")

Visual storytelling

• Visual elements play a crucial role in conveying information and creating emotional impact in documentaries
• Effective visual storytelling can enhance the narrative and engage viewers on a deeper level
• Combining different visual techniques helps create a rich and compelling documentary experience

B-roll footage

• Supplementary footage used to illustrate or enhance the main narrative
• Provides visual context and helps break up interview segments
• Can include establishing shots, action sequences, or detail shots
• Helps create a sense of place and atmosphere (Ron Fricke's "Baraka")

Archival materials

• Incorporates historical footage, photographs, or documents to support the narrative
• Provides visual evidence of past events or conditions
• Can be used to create contrast between past and present
• May require restoration or digital enhancement for modern presentation (Asif Kapadia's "Amy")

Reenactments

• Dramatized recreations of events that were not captured on camera
• Can help visualize historical events or personal memories
• Range from highly stylized to realistic depictions
• Should be clearly identified to avoid confusion with actual footage (Errol Morris' "The Thin Blue Line")

Interview techniques

• Interviews are a fundamental component of many documentaries, providing firsthand accounts and expert insights
• Effective interview techniques can elicit powerful responses and create engaging content
• The choice of interview style and presentation can significantly impact the documentary's tone and credibility

Talking heads vs action interviews

• Talking heads interviews feature subjects speaking directly to the camera in a controlled setting
• Action interviews capture subjects while they are engaged in relevant activities or in their natural environment
• Talking heads provide clarity and focus but can become visually monotonous
• Action interviews add visual interest and context but may sacrifice audio quality
• Many documentaries use a combination of both styles (Davis Guggenheim's "Waiting for Superman")

Interview structure and flow

• Prepare a list of key questions but remain flexible to follow interesting tangents
• Start with easier, more general questions to build rapport before addressing sensitive topics
• Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses
• Follow up on interesting points to delve deeper into the subject matter
• Consider the emotional arc of the interview when planning question order (Errol Morris' "The Fog of War")

Subject positioning

• Choose interview locations that provide relevant context or visual interest
• Consider the background, lighting, and framing to enhance the subject's presence on screen
• Decide whether to have subjects look directly at the camera or off-camera at the interviewer
• Experiment with unconventional setups to create unique visual styles (Wim Wenders' "Pina")

Editing for narrative

• Editing plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and emotional impact of a documentary
• Effective editing can create connections between ideas, control pacing, and guide viewer attention
• Understanding various editing techniques allows filmmakers to craft more engaging and cohesive documentaries

Pacing and rhythm

• Varies the speed and intensity of scenes to maintain viewer engagement
• Uses longer takes for contemplative moments and faster cuts for action or tension
• Balances information-heavy segments with more emotional or visual sequences
• Considers the overall flow of the documentary to create a satisfying viewing experience (Godfrey Reggio's "Koyaanisqatsi")

Montage techniques

• Combines disparate images or clips to create new meanings or associations
• Can be used to compress time, show cause and effect, or create emotional impact
• Includes techniques like parallel editing, cross-cutting, and associative montage
• Effective for conveying complex ideas or themes visually (Dziga Vertov's "Man with a Movie Camera")

Parallel storylines

• Intercuts between multiple narrative threads or characters
• Creates connections or contrasts between different aspects of the subject matter
• Allows for exploration of multiple perspectives or time periods
• Can build tension by switching between storylines at crucial moments (Steve James' "The Interrupters")

Ethical considerations

• Documentaries often deal with real people and events, raising important ethical questions
• Filmmakers must balance their artistic vision with responsibilities to their subjects and audiences
• Understanding ethical considerations helps create more responsible and impactful documentaries

Objectivity vs subjectivity

• Considers the balance between presenting unbiased information and expressing a point of view
• Acknowledges that all documentaries involve some degree of subjective choice in framing and editing
• Explores the role of the filmmaker's perspective in shaping the narrative
• May choose to embrace subjectivity while being transparent about biases (Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11")

Representation of subjects

• Ensures fair and accurate portrayal of individuals and communities featured in the documentary
• Considers the potential impact of the film on subjects' lives and reputations
• Obtains informed consent and respects subjects' boundaries and privacy
• Balances the need for compelling storytelling with ethical treatment of subjects (Joshua Oppenheimer's "The Act of Killing")

Manipulation of events

• Addresses the ethical implications of staging or recreating events for the camera
• Considers the use of editing techniques that may alter the meaning or context of events
• Explores the boundaries between creative interpretation and misrepresentation
• Emphasizes the importance of transparency in documentary filmmaking practices (Robert Flaherty's "Nanook of the North")

Sound and music

• Sound design and music play crucial roles in creating atmosphere and emotional impact in documentaries
• Effective use of audio elements can enhance the narrative and engage viewers on multiple sensory levels
• Understanding different approaches to sound and music allows filmmakers to create more immersive documentary experiences

Diegetic vs non-diegetic sound

• Diegetic sound originates from sources within the film's world (on-screen or off-screen)
• Non-diegetic sound is added in post-production and not part of the film's reality
• Diegetic sound includes dialogue, ambient noise, and music played within the scene
• Non-diegetic sound includes voice-over narration, sound effects, and musical score
• Balancing diegetic and non-diegetic sound creates a rich audio landscape (Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man")

Scoring for emotional impact

• Uses music to enhance the emotional tone of scenes or transitions
• Can create tension, emphasize key moments, or provide relief from intense content
• Considers the style and instrumentation of music to complement the documentary's themes
• May use original compositions or carefully selected existing music (Philip Glass' score for "The Fog of War")

Sound design for atmosphere

• Creates a sense of place and time through ambient sounds and effects
• Enhances the realism of scenes or creates stylized audio environments
• Uses sound mixing to balance different audio elements and guide viewer attention
• Can employ creative sound techniques to represent abstract concepts or internal states (Gianfranco Rosi's "Fire at Sea")

Narrative devices

• Narrative devices are storytelling tools that help structure and enhance documentary narratives
• These techniques can add depth, create connections, and engage viewers in unique ways
• Understanding various narrative devices allows filmmakers to craft more sophisticated and compelling documentaries

Framing devices

• Uses a specific context or perspective to introduce and structure the documentary's content
• Can include a present-day investigation of past events, a personal journey, or a central metaphor
• Helps unify diverse elements of the story and provide a clear entry point for viewers
• Examples include using a road trip as a framing device (Michael Moore's "Roger & Me")

Flashbacks and flash-forwards

• Incorporates scenes from the past or future to provide context or create suspense
• Flashbacks can reveal character backstories or historical context
• Flash-forwards can hint at future outcomes or consequences
• Requires clear visual or audio cues to signal time shifts to viewers (Malik Bendjelloul's "Searching for Sugar Man")

Juxtaposition and contrast

• Places contrasting ideas, images, or sounds side by side to create meaning or emphasis
• Can highlight disparities, ironies, or connections between different elements
• Used to create visual or thematic impact and encourage critical thinking
• Effective for exploring complex issues with multiple perspectives (Banksy's "Exit Through the Gift Shop")