Sound & Image Analysis - Assignment Solution

• Introduction to Documentary

Traits and conventions of particular documentaries can be effectively schemed by using modes of documentaries, developed by Bill Nicholas. I have chosen to discuss performative mode of documentary. Performative mode engages film makers with the story in the way that subjective truth can be recognized, which holds importance for film makers. Mainly, the performative mode is used to explain the stories of film makers, who belong from vulnerable social groups. In this manner, they are being offered chance to present differentiated perspective of their story, without worrying about the validity of that specific experience. The performative nature of documentary is linked with the notion that it depicts the interruption of film maker on specific situation which is being filmed. 

As an effective instance of performative documentary, I have watched Painted with Words. The documentary is about Vincent Van Gogh, which has been played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Throughout the documentary, words of Gogh represent the actual words of letters which have been written by him to his brother and friends over the years. Additionally, the documentary also shows stills of different painting of Gogh and is being backed by emotionally charged song. 

While watching the documentary, I have found that it makes use of subjective form of illustration, which fits it within the paradigm of performative documentary. The documentary has used re-enactments, stage performance, flashbacks, and freeze frames. I have felt that documentary invites us to feel like the character of Gogh and witnessing circumstances from his view point. The documentary does not only recounts the aspects of his life, yet it involves the viewers to feel the pain of artist who has cut his ear and the shot himself to death in stressed and horrible state of mind. As aligned with views of Nicholas, performative documentary is based on emotional intensity and social subjectivity. In compliance with this view of performative documentary, Painted with Words has led us to gain experiential awareness into the life of Gogh and has also unveiled many emotional and historical perspectives of his art.  

I would like to work on this mode of documentary, as in views of Nicholas, it can generate sense of empathy among audience and can acknowledge the subjective readings of the viewers. I want to direct the attention of audience towards important issues, with an aim of changing their perspective about the social issue. I want to influence viewers both emotionally and socially, such that they might change their way of looking at events and realities and can become more empathetic. Moreover, I am also interest towards poetic documentaries, which makes me interested in this genre. My focus will be on making use of expressive capabilities of specific genre of documentary. These capabilities can include; cinematography, performances and musical scores among others. Finally, I feel that performative documentary is considered to present more faithful perspective on the given event and establishes clear line between facts and fiction. Therefore, I would like to present social issue in more faithful manner, which will be free from fiction and will only be based on factual information. For instance, discrimination with specific social groups will be my main focus of attention and I feel that through my documentary I might become able to influence perspectives and views of audience.