Documentaries can be defined as nonfiction films that provide factual records or reports. Because we understand documentaries to do just that we the viewers, put much more trust into a documentary than we do a fiction film.
As we view a documentary, we believe that what we are seeing is a reality. We are still free to question the facts they present or the angle they present them with. However, there is still an automatic sense of faith we put in the filmmaker, believing that they are providing us the truth.
Throughout good documentaries, the filmmakers take advantage of our automatic belief and continue to grow our trust by appealing to our emotions, ethics, and logic to show and teach us or provide new insights and information about something we might not understand.
Through documentaries, we get to examine areas of our society that we do not often look at. Documentaries can help us to understand dark areas of history and society that most people ignore. They help us to form opinions and become more educated about our world. Most importantly, documentaries have the power to light a fire within us and drive us to stand for what is right – ultimately affecting our society.
I want to dissect a few documentaries that have been extremely powerful to me, and that I have seen be powerful to our society. My goal is to better understand their messages while deepening our sense of why they are so incredibly influential. Throughout this {essay, website, blog, whatever you choose to call it} I hope I am able to increase your passions regarding these important societal topics while drawing clear lines of connection that allow us to understand what gives them the ability to incite such societal change through their story telling.
Baraka is not a typical documentary. Throughout the hour-long film, there is no narration or text track. There are no spoken or written words, only beautiful images, both still and moving, paired with powerful lyricless music. This work of art is the culmination of 30 months’ hard work, gathering incredible images and clips from 25 countries on six continents. All this hard work and perseverance truly did accomplish producer Mark Magidson’s goal of, "reaching past language, nationality, religion and politics and speak to the inner viewer." I chose to examine this documentary because, from the first time I saw it, at only 5 years old, it left a lasting impression on the way I view the world.
Because the film lacks written or spoken word, it has had the unique opportunity to adopt the language of humanity, rather than the language of any one culture. This ability to communicate with all people, no matter where they come from, has created a film that is recognized around the world as the powerful piece of art that it is. It is able to show aspects of each unique society that it explores simply through emotion-evoking images and music that creates a sense of beautiful mise-en-scene that I have never experienced in any other film. To this day, more than 15 years after I first watched this film, I continue to go back to it always finding new meanings and new insights into humanity.
But what are those meanings and insights the film has to share? Well, I imagine that each person who watches the film receives different messages because we are all applying what we experience throughout Baraka, to our own unique life experiences, resulting in our own unique views as to what the film is saying. I do, however, think that there are specific themes that Baraka explores in very intriguing ways.
The one theme that I believe is sewn into every aspect of the film is that of humanity. We see it in so many different lights, across several different cultures. We see some cultures juxtaposed with nature, while others are immersed within it. We see people living in dirt floor shacks that they only know as home, while other are simply homeless. We see buildings that appear to be ready to crumble, with children hopefully gazing out the glassless windows. We see the seemingly beautiful life of sex workers in Asia, but then we notice that their eyes are screaming with fear.
To me, and many other Americans, the most powerful scene of Baraka comes when we see the comparison of humans leading modern urbanized lives, to baby chicks who exist only to become fat and be slaughtered. This scene is beyond words for me, so rather than attempt to explain its’ power, you should see it for yourself.
Through Baraka, we have the opportunity to see the struggles and pains that exist across our world. We are given the chance to empathize with man- (and woman)-kind. We also are given the opportunity to think about our own society, and what we can change to better ourselves and better the world. This film has helped me, become more aware of the world. It has made me more informed and provided insights through its images and music that cannot be transferred into words. Unlike the other films that I will be dissecting, there was no specific change that occurred in society because of Baraka. However, I know that it has changed me, and continues to with every new time I watch it. I also know, that people you and me, are our society, and with every time someone sees it for the first time, or even for the 30th time, it changes us, and therefore it changes a piece of society.
You can view the full video here for free - it is well worth the watch.
You can also learn more about the filming and other aspects of the film here.
I was extremely lucky to have grown up in a family that encouraged the development of my own beliefs and values. I remember one of the earliest and still one of the strongest beliefs that I have is that as the most advanced animals on this earth, we have the responsibility and the privilege to protect and respect all the other creatures that roam the planet. Because I hold this belief so close to my heart, there is nothing that angers me more than the disrespect or maltreatment of any living being. For these reasons and much more, Blackfish, a documentary telling the emotionally wrenching story of Tillicum, a beautiful killer whale, ignited a fire within me. I know human and animal rights this isn’t something that just I believe in. People all around the world are speaking out and standing up for the rights of both people and animals, as individuals who deserve respect and humane treatment. In the wake of Blackfish’s release, more people than ever are fighting this cause together.
Blackfish features several individuals who took this chance to speak up and create such a powerful documentary that has exposed the inhumane treatment of orcas. Through the film, we explore these mammal’s incredible nature that we as humans know little about. We also get an inside look at the not-so-pretty side of killer whales when they are forced into captivity. We are shown the terribly cruel treatment of these whales in sea parks. We meet trainers who honestly believe that they are treating the whales so well, and are distraught when they learn that the billion-dollar industries that they work for have been feeding them lies. Most horrific of all, we see the lives that are lost – both trainers and whales – because of the way that these animals are being treated.
The film takes us on a “journey of shock and discovery,” as director Gabriela Cowperthwaite teaches us about the history of orca’s in captivity, and shows us the lack of humanity that exists within the business. To me, this film was so successful because it was beautifully crafted, while incorporating powerful persuasive techniques. Much of the film was created with archival footage from actual events, and personal testimony of other trainers and witnesses. Some of the archival footage is hard to watch, such as videos of the actual performances when trainer’s lives were taken, or pictures of the raking on orcas back after being attacked by another whale because they had been locked away in a space so small they barely fit end to end. Most of the clips throughout the documentary were of these horrible, horrific things that big sea-park companies have tried so hard to bury and act as if they never happened, but they did. Not only did they happen and are undeniable facts, but they are also heart wrenching. When we see a clip, like the one below, of an absolutely distraught mother orca, screaming because her baby had been taken from her not only is tear-jerking, but it is igniting. When we see such horrible pain, we feel for those animals, we want their pain to stop – calling us to the cause.
Because of Blackfish’s beautiful cinematography, strong persuasive elements, and undeniably important message, it has been seen by millions around the world. The film mainly focuses on SeaWorld’s contributions to degrading these highly intelligent creatures, and since its release in 2013 has been an absolute nightmare for the sea park. Many have boycotted the park and protested its inhumane treatment of all its animals. In response, SeaWorld claims the film to be untrue, and simply full of propaganda. However, the films overwhelming evidence shows that SeaWorld's claims are just a desperate grasp to maintain its customer base, which only made them appear to be more corrupt.
In response to the public backlash and outrage, things have changed. SeaWorld has publicly announced that they will no longer be breeding orca's and will not take any more from the wild. Thankfully, this is their last generation of orcas. But, sadly, they have decided to keep the orca's they currently have in captivity to live out the remainder of their shortened lives – including Tillicum, a whale who has already killed three people and will undoubtedly attack again if he remains a captive. SeaWorld does say they are taking steps to make their facilities more like orca’s natural habitats, increasing the size of their tanks and providing “natural” surroundings, starting in their San Diego park, next year. They also plan to eliminate theatrical whale shows and introduce more naturalistic shows in their place.
Tillicum, the whale who was the focus throughout Blackfish
is seen on the far right, easily recognizable with his collapsed
dorsal fin and by far the largest of SeaWorld Whales
I personally am extremely grateful for the creation of this incredible documentary. It has changed the way that millions of people see captive animals. It has raised awareness in huge masses of the population. It has ended SeaWorld’s tortuous and sometimes deadly theatrical orca shows. This film has created a sense of accountability from the public that SeaWorld has never had before, and we can only hope that one day they stop their exploitation of animals for cash. Blackfish has changed our societies views on the capture and captivity of the other animals we share our world with, and made our world a safer place for these exquisite creatures.
The very first time I viewed Super-Size Me, a direct address expository documentary created by Morgan Spurlock, it admittedly wasn’t by choice. I entered my sixth-grade health class, and was told that today we would be watching a movie. My 12-year-old mind immediately started to shout “Oh god no. Not THE movie!” When I learned that we were actually going to watch Super-Size Me and not the dreaded video on puberty, I was so full of relief that I fell in love with the film before it even began. And today, several years later, I still do not regret my decision to love the film unconditionally, because it was and still is a fantastic film.
Over the last 10 years or so, it has become a tradition to show it in health classes across the country, but if you have been lucky enough to not have taken such a course recently, and simply never gotten around to seeing the film, I want to briefly summarize it. Morgan Spurlock, a very likable and humorous documentary filmmaker decided that he wanted to see what would happen if he ate only from McDonald's for an entire month, always accepting to ‘supersize' his meal when offered. Before beginning his unscientific experiment, Spurlock was examined by three doctors, a general practitioner, a cardiologist, and a gastroenterologist, who all agreed he was in extremely good health. Throughout the experiment, the doctors continue to monitor his health as it rapidly declines. Not only is he imposing major harm on his heart, liver, and blood, but he is also affecting his mental health, becoming less and less happy, and, more and more addicted to these unhealthy foods.
And if you didn't feel like reading the summary, I understand. Here's the trailer.
When Spurlock first set out, he had one clear goal in mind, to show the dangers of fast food, and he did just that. He created this widely seen and even more widely known film that specifically attacks the fast food industry and the incredibly unhealthy food that they produce. He ends the film with one line that speaks volumes, “Who do you want to see go first, you or them?” followed by a cartoon image of Ronald McDonald’s tombstone.
I know that after watching this film, I never want to eat fast food again. Spurlock is extremely convincing as he appeals to our emotions, like fear and disgust, our logic as he meets with his doctors, and even our ethics which tell us how morally wrong it is to sell other human beings food that is so unhealthy without any labels or warnings. In America, we have "an estimated 300,000 deaths per year are due to the obesity epidemic," and these dangerously unhealthy foods like McDonald's, never had shown calorie counts or fat percentages before this film was created. While Alcohol is clearly labeled and contains warnings and is strictly monitored by the government when “last year, 30,700 Americans died from alcohol-induced causes.” That is almost ten times more American deaths due to obesity than due to alcohol.
Thankfully Super-Size Me successfully showed the world the extreme health risks that unhealthy and fast food poses on the American people. Since this film, we have come a long way. Now all McDonalds, as well as other fast food and chain restaurants, are required to display information regarding the nutrition of the food, including calories, fat percentages and amounts of sodium, all things that are extremely important to consider in your daily diet. However, I still suggest checking out this chart before your next stop at Micky D's. McDonald's also quickly removed the option of "supersizing" your meal because of the bad connotation that is now associated with it. They also now provide more (kind of) healthy options, such as salads, wraps, and fruit smoothies, all claimed to contain real fruits and/or veggies.
I believe we should all be thankful for Spurlock’s film, as it gave us a look at how unhealthy fast food really is for our bodies. It also incited rage in the public that led to our now stricter laws on food, that exist only to try to increase the health of American’s diets. The film has also helped many American’s consider more thoroughly what they are putting into their bodies for fuel which I believed has helped to spark a much-needed health-food trend. The societal impact that this one 2-hour film has had is immense, and I truly believe we should all be grateful for it.
You can watch the film for free here, it's never too late to get inspired to live a healthier life.
According to American law, any individual accused of a crime is to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Despite this, it often seems to work the other way. When an individual is arrested, or accused, our society sees them as guilty until the court says they are not – and sometimes even after that, our society views them as guilty (ex. Casey Anthony). Human nature is to assume the worst in others, and unless we actively work to not, when someone is accused of a crime, we assume that they committed it. This flaw in our nature makes it terribly difficult for those who are accused of things that they have not done, to convince the judge and jury within the courtroom that they are innocent.
We are going to look at how two documentaries that extend past the courtroom and take a deeper look their cases. As we watch The Thin Blue Line and Making a Murder, we see Randall Dale Adams, Steven Avery, and Brenden Dassey reflect on their experiences and strive to maintain their innocence.
The Thin Blue Line is documentary film created by Errol Morris in 1988, and at the time was considered to be the greatest documentary ever made. The film centers around Randall Dale Adams who was sentenced to death by Judge Donald J. Metcalfe for the murder of Officer Robert Wood, despite all evidence leading to a 16-year-old David Ray Harris. Throughout the film, Morris clearly shows that the only reason for Adams' conviction was because the city wanted justice for Officer Wood, and could not sentence Harris to death because he was a minor. To many, the way this trial progressed was shocking. As I watched the film I remember thinking "how does any of this make sense, how could a man so clearly innocent be convicted and sentenced to death.”
Making a Murderer and The Thin Blue Line are similar in the types of stories they are telling. Making a Murderer differs in the fact that rather than a typical documentary film, it is a 10-part series, in which directors Laura Ricciardi, Moira Demos tell the story of Steven Avery and his Nephew Brenden Dassey’s arrests and convictions in the murder of local photographer Teresa Halbach. As the documentary that took 10 years of filming unfolds more and more with each episode, we begin to see that Avery and Dassey may not be the cold-blooded killers that the police have made them out to be.
Both documentaries not only make us question our judicial system and our police, but they also make us concerned for these individuals who seem to be completely innocent, yet were sentenced to lengthy stints in prisons, or even to death.
In the case of Adams, there was no doubt that he was innocent of the crimes he had been convicted of, and within a year of The Thin Blue Line’s release, he had been exonerated and released from prison. Because of Morris’s beautifully made documentary, this innocent man who would have been put to death, now has the opportunity to make a life for himself. Making a Murderer had a similar effect for Dassey, who’s conviction was overturned by a federal judge because the police unconstitutionally coerced him to confess to the murder, and this confession was the only substantial evidence in his case. Currently, Dassey is waiting to be released from prison, unless the state of Wisconsin is able to convict him in a retrial before February 12th of 2017. Despite the effect these films have had for Adams and Dassey, Avery has had no such luck. He maintains that he had been framed by police because he had been working to expose corruption in local law enforcement.
Both of these documentaries had had a huge influence, not just on the lived they saved from prison, but also on our society. These films have reminded us that just because someone was accused, and sometimes even convicted, could not still mean that they are truly guilty. It is a terrifying reality that innocent people are convicted, and sent to prison or even death, simply because they were easy targets for law enforcement and the courts. These documentaries show us these absurd injustices, making us face their dark reality, causing us to ask ourselves how we could possibly make things right.
You can buy or rent The Thin Blue Line on Amazon video.
Both The Thin Blue Line and Making a Murderer can be watched or rented with your Netflix subscription
