Documentary Analysis
Documentary films make their arguments many ways: images, words, sounds, music, cinematic techniques. Your job is to analyze the rhetorical strategies and film techniques the filmmaker uses to make their point.
You can organize your analysis frame by frame, sequence by sequence. You can focus on one representative segment in detail. You can follow a particular motif.
Do not try to cover everything. Choose those portions you think are the most significant.
Explain why these seem the most persuasive. Analyze how the filmmaker uses them (and/or the techniques and devices therein) to present and/or support the argument.
Sample Solution
In the documentary film “The People’s Platform,” director Astra Taylor explores how technology and media have come to shape our culture in ways that are both beneficial but also potentially damaging. To this end, the filmmaker makes use of a variety of rhetorical strategies and cinematic techniques which ultimately help bring her argument to life.
For instance, early on in the film Taylor interviews several experts who speak about how digital technologies have allowed people greater access to information than ever before while simultaneously making it difficult for certain voices to be heard clearly amongst all the noise online (Taylor 2014). This idea is then visually reinforced later on as images of various crowds push against each other illustrating how content is struggling for attention yet still remains drowned out by others vying for similar recognition.
Additionally, throughout her piece Taylor regularly adopts an observational approach which allows viewers time absorb what they’re seeing without having any forced insights or conclusions being made on their behalf. This style of filmmaking helps create a sense of personal engagement between audience members & themes discussed since no answers are given rather spaces are opened up for further contemplation allowing individuals interpret what they see with greater sincerity (Klein 2021).
Finally, music plays a major role here providing both emotional depth as well as certain rhythm behind what is taking place on screen. At times, melodies foreshadow future events while other pieces illustrate connections between seemingly unrelated scenarios thus helping provide viewers additional context when considering implications presented by footage being shown. All together these techniques form powerful narrative capable conveying complex ideas concisely leaving lasting impressions upon audiences who watch them.
