Documentary Analysis

The devil made me do it

This documentary was a mixed one following the themes of murder, religion, youth rebellion and how the media influences people to do things. This was looked at in great detail following the murder of a nun in a small town in Italy. The documentary concentrates on the influences of rock star and Satan worshipper, Marilyn Manson. The documentary was mixed because of the different elements used throughout. These elements include; interviews with Marilyn, recreations of the murder scene to dramatise the action, observation points used as evidence to decide whether Marilyn was influential of the murder and a voice over narration was also used to explain to the audience what was happening in each part and tell them the necessary facts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkf11iER1Kw&feature=related

This hyperlink is showing part 1 of 5 of the documentary, this showing a sense of the nature of the documentary and how it uses narration and sound effects to dramatise the events, as well as cuts showing the fans or Marilyn Manson and how they are influenced by him, this setting the scene for the rest of the programme.


When considering the narrative structure, the beginning of the documentary raised the problem, this being the unsolved murder of the nun. The documentary was introduced by setting the scene of what had happened, trying to make the audience feel sorry for the family of the nun and the shock it had caused to the town. This was done by showing an interview with the nun's brother whilst showing clips of the town and the murder scene.
Towards the middle of the documentary, further questions were raised as although the killers are identified, this being a shock to the audience as when the evidence is given, it shows the killers as being three 16 year old girls. In addition to this, it suggests Marylin Manson as being a 'puppet master' as when searching through evidence as to why the girls did it, lyrics to Marilyn Manson's songs were written through their diaries, particularly the ones spreading the words of Satan. This adds complication to the documentary as it is unexplainable to the audience.
Taking into account the end of the documentary, this shows the resolution of the problems. This shown by the three girls getting sentenced, one of the girls being sorry. Shots were then shown of the town getting back to normal, showing how time had gone passed.

When considering the camerawork used, many different uses of the camera were used to dramatise the action on screen. For example, low angle shots were used when filming Marilyn Manson to show importance. In contrast to this, low angle shots were also used when filming the town to show vulnerability and peacefulness. Close ups were used during interviews, this was to also show their importance and to show the emotion on their face as it was a touching subject. Interviews were also two shots to show the closeness of people. In addition, close ups were shown of crosses painted on the walls on the town, this was done to make the audience feel for the civilians of the town as they have to look at it everyday as a reminder of what has happened. The audience were made to feel disorientated during the recreation of the nun's murder as a cantered angle was used on the floor where the crime happens. A handheld camera is used as the three girls leave the courtroom, this was done to show the frantic happenings.

The mise-en-scene of the documentary reflects a lot in trying to affect the audience. An example of this would be a physiologist, one of the important women who are interviewed, is power dressing in the colour red. This was done to support the anger and the mood of the interview. The colour red being a connotation of the theme of anger supports this. Whilst people are being interviewed, they are positioned in their own homes, this makes them feel more comfortable about the subject they are talking about. Footage of Marilyn Manson's concerts are also used in the documentary, this leaves the audience to make up their own mind about his lyrics being influential. Furthermore, when considering Marilyn's actions, conflict is raised as clips are shown of him walking around the Vatican City, however then he dresses up as the pope in one of his concerts. The concert footage also shows youths in the crowd dressed like him, suggesting that they had been brainwashed. This footage is repeated all through the documentary, reminding the audience of the powerful footage.
When considering the sound used throughout, many is done to dramatise the documentary. An example of this would be the use of sound effects during the reconstruction of the murder. The sound effects included a scream and an increasing heartbeat. Religious music is used when showing clips of the small town to set the scene and show how important religion is. Natural sound is used when taking into account the interviews and the screaming and music from the concerts.



This video is showing archive footage from one of Marilyn's concerts, showing the contoversy as he comes on stage dressed as the pope.

The editing of the documentary varies throughout to show the different elements of the message trying to be shown to the viewer. Cut away shots are used as evidence for the story of the murder to allow it to make sense. Point of view shots are also used where showing where the nun was murdered. This was done to make the audience feel like they are there and connect with the people living in the town. Long takes of the town are also used which was an establishing shot as it was showing that the narration was what was important. Fast editing was used towards the beginning of the documentary to dramatise the events. In addition to this, when considering importance, match on action was used during the Marilyn Manson concert as there was something in each shot portraying the effects of the lyrics of the songs.


Simple graphics were used throughout, this didn't contract the meaning of the clip or the words that were being said on screen. Simple fonts were also used to support this. The graphics were also fast on screen as not to distract what was happening.




Marketing Movies - BBC2 Educational Documentary

Taking into account the narrative structure, the beginning is based on questioning why is marketing important. Fast exciting graphics are used throughout these questions being asked to appeal to the audience and attract them to want to watch the documentary further. Towards the middle of the documentary beings to show evidence to the questions raised in the beginning. The evidence is shown by the exploration of the marketing done on the film 'mousehunt'. This was done so show how money is important when trying to promote a film, and how using money wisely in products that are believed to do well and taking risks. The end of the documentary showed the finished product of the promotion of 'mousehunt' and how the persuasion and marketing worked. An open narrative is also used to the let the audience decided if the film will be successful for themselves.

When considering camerawork, close ups were used during the interviews, it was also a static camera showing it doesn't move. This explains the importance of people being interviewed. In addition, the change in deep focus and shallow focus is used in interviews, focusing on either the person or the poster used in the background. This shows the change of importance either to the person and what they are saying, or if what they are saying is specific about the film. Close ups of the money and tickets is also used when showing footage of the cinema, this is done to suggest how the influence of marketing makes people want to go and view the film. An element of zoom is used to further show people of importance at the premier of the film 'mousehunt'. An example of this would be the zoom into Johnathan Ross. A pan shot is used when showing the merchandise in the shop, merchandise being a major money influenced part of marketing and promoting a film, this is important to the persuasion of the audience. Also high angle shots are also used of the streets of London during the film premier, this shows how London being the capital city, furthermore the capital of film culture, showing how important a premier is.

The mise-en-scene consists of posters of different films that were popular at the time. This supports the context of the documentary, showing how influential posters were. The posters were used during the interviews, giving each interview meaning and showing relevance to what is being said. Footage from the premier, box office and the merchandise shop was also used. These cut away shots are done to break up the interview, keeping the audience interested. Also, these all being set in London supports the influences of the capital city.

Natural sound is used throughout. Examples of this would be raw footage of the interviews and also of the premier. A music bed is also used to make the documentary more exciting, therefore keeping the audience further interested. The narrator, Henrietta Bess, talks over the documentary throughout, this creating a sense of it being formal, however not making it too serious by the lighthearted portrayal of the necessary facts.

Taking into account the editing of the documentary, the fast cuts used throughout suggest the excitement from the very beginning, reflecting the excitement during the premier and the promotion of the film. Cut away shots are used during the narration and interviews to something relevant to what the person is talking about. This is don't effectively as it adds to the theme of the documentary not being too serious as it isn't necessary to be looking at the person of importance. Fades are used in between interviews, this however is seen as an ammeture factor of editing as it shows that something was wrong with the previous clip and the match on action didn't flow smoothly. It could also suggest the fact that somebody being interviewed said something that wasn't relevant, so the cut was made to the next relevant information, making the interview not flow in the correct order.

This documentary consisted different archive material, this included film footage from mousehunt, the little mermaid, lion king and titanic. This was done whilst showing the successful promotion of films, making the audience feel that the promotion of mousehunt may be successful. Footage from the mousehunt premier was also used, this supporting the idea of premiers being and important when considering marketing.

Graphics were used at the end of each section, whilst introducing the new topic of marketing that will be talked about. These graphics were for a younger age as it included a cartoon character stood at the side of the text. Graphics were constantly used to explain to the audience what was going to be talked about, or the person who was speaking. 

The Music Biz  

This documentary supports the themes of marketing music and handling publicity, also how important a number one is. The documentary follows the journey of music sensation 'Meatloaf' and his efforts in a comeback. This documentary is a mixed one as it includes interviews, observations, archive footage and is also narrated over.

Taking into account the narrative structure, the beginning concentrates on talking about the music industry and how much it influences people on a daily basis. It then goes on to talk about Meatloaf wanting a comeback from his first album 'bat out of hell' with the new album 'bat out of hell II'. This being 16 years since his first album, from the beginning it shows conflict as it creates a risk by wanting to make a comeback. The middle of the narrative goes on to reveal that too much money was spent on trying to make a comeback, this was shown by the making of the video, filmed in L.A. Other money was spent on things like advertising and promoting the album by going around the world and touring. This also created problems as the release dates on the album was the same globally, however Meatloaf could not be in all these places at once, supporting the fact of spending a lot of money. Towards the end of the documentary, it showed that the hard work and money of promoting his album paid off as he then went on to win a Grammy of best album of the year and stayed at number 1 for 8 weeks. Meatloaf disappointingly didn't win the Christmas number 1 after losing to Mr Blobby and Take That. 

Close up shots were used on Meatloaf throughout to show his importance in the documentary and how it was centered around him. Close ups were also used on the director Michael Bay, the director of the video 'i'd do anything for love', this conflicting the idea of Meatloaf being the most important, as without that particular director, the video wouldn't have been as successful. Interaction with the camera man was also used throughout the making of the video, showing to the audience that they are part of the action and are watching it happen before their eyes. Zooms were used on location shots, an example of this would be when showing the room of a board meeting as they first view the video, a zoom was used across a river. This suggesting the importance of the happenings of the room. A panning shot was also used of the board members as they took part in the meeting, this showing that every person in the room was important and not one particular person taking charge. Although this camerawork was suitable to the documentary, bad continuity was used during interviews as one of the men whilst being interviewed changed sides half way through, making it noticeable that the watch he was wearing was on the wrong side.

Taking into consideration mise-en-scene, different factors were used to show how the marketing was done effectively. Relevant images and footage on Meatloaf was used throughout the interviews, this was achieved by a blue or green screen behind the interviewee. Filming on location was also included when showing the archive footage of the music video. Archive footage was also used whilst showing the receiving of awards at ceremonies and also press coverage from around the world. This supporting the idea of the success of the promoting the album. Footage was also centered around Meatloaf's competition at the time, 'The Village People' with 'Y.M.C.A'. Most of this being based around London show the audience the importance of the capital city when considering music. These places in London include business based buildings and radio stations, this showing a further marketing idea.

Natural sound is used when considering the interviews, concerts and conferences. This is to make the audience feel that they can understand what is happening at the time of the making of the documentary. Soundtracks were used during most of the documentary, this includes the overplaying the soundtrack to the video 'i'd do anything for love'. This then sticks in the audience's head and it is relevant to the promotion of the album. In addition, sound affects of a heartbeat were used with a cut away shot of a poster of meatloaf, this was done to dramatise the documentary and show the importance of the poster.

Taking into account the editing, conflict was raised by the use of shot reverse shot of the filming of the music video. The shot reverse shot was done showing shots of Meatloaf and then of Michael Bay, the director of the video, this questioned who was more important, as without the director, the video may not have been as successful. Cut away shots were used to reinforce what someone is talking about in the shot. Also, fast pace editing is used at the beginning to show further conflict within the documentary, this being of the conflict between different journalists and their take on the come back. The fact of it being fast pace was also done to make the audience want to watch more of the documentary. Dissolves were also used throughout, this was to show a break in between two shots, adding variety to the normal editing. Fades were also used during the interviews, the same background was kept showing the importance, and a new person was faded in each time.

The archive material consisted award ceremonies where Meatloaf accepts awards for his album and single, this showing his success and recognition for what he has done and how it pays off. Music videos were also used to show the competition from different artists at the time, these include mr blobby, take that and the village people. Footage from Meatloaf concerts was also used throughout.

The graphics included mainly consisted of simple graphics at the bottom of the screen, however they were important graphics as they included to importance of the person and their profession as well as their name. During the opening scene, a mixture a magazines were shown showing more graphics about the comeback of Meatloaf.

Lara Croft - That Thing

This interview was mixed, showing observation, narration, interviews and archive footage of video games including the icon, Lara Croft.

The themes included the idea of Lara Croft being an icon, however this being unintentional. Another theme would be making the film into a game because of its success. Feminism is a key theme throughout and the portrayal of women within this particular topic, video games.

Taking into consideration the narrative structure, the beginning concentrates on the video game itself and how it has been successful. It also talks about who it appeals to, this being boys, men, girls and in particular housewives. This was said that they feel in control of a situation, however feminine at the same time. The icon of Lara Croft has turned into a feminist icon, as the game became more popular, the woman's figure became more womanly and appealing to men, for example her breasts became bigger, further reaching out to a bigger audience. Towards the middle of the documentary, it was introduced Angelina Jolie as being the film version of Lara Croft, however the talents and appearance of Angelina was criticised as not being as good and authentic as the game. The success of the film however showed how a powerful woman can influence every day women, however at the same time how they can be sexualised by men. The end concentrates on the fans of Lara Croft and how they have been influenced by her. Many girls tried to be like their idol by dressing like her. This shows the audience how powerful people in video games can be. 

This video is showing the transformation of Lara Croft the video game to Angelina Jolie playing her in the film. This is showing the likeness and how they have triedd to represent Lara Croft.

The camera work consisted of a static camera throughout. Medium close ups were used during interviews, this was to show that what the person is saying is important. Pan shots and over shoulder shots were used whilst showing footage of people playing the computer games. This was done to show relevant footage of different types of people playing Lara Croft, supporting the idea of a wide audience.

When considering mise-en-scene, the shots throughout included different video games in addition people playing the computer games. In addition, whilst interviews were taking place, a projected image of the video game of Lara Croft was over the top of the person, this was to make it seem like they were part of the action in the background, showing relevance to what they were talking about. Footage from the film was also shown throughout, this supporting the advertisement of the movie, and to show the success of the Lara Croft icon herself.

Sound was only used when relevant throughout, sound effects were used including guns and crashes, this was to show the sound that would be included in the video game. In addition to this, sound affects from Lara herself were used, these were mainly out of breath sounds, further sexualising the character. Sound from the film used in the background can also be considered. Natural sound was also used from the interviews, along with the narration.

Taking into account the archive footage used, there was a lack of it whilst it was only a short documentary. However the archive footage used did consist of footage from the film and a Nike advert which included Lara Croft in it. The game could be considered as archive footage as it showed what somebody had already filmed whilst playing it, however this is unknown to the audience as it could be filmed at the time.

The graphics used were very simple white text, also considering interviews, each time a particular man came to be interviewed, his head would appear in a TV screen, this showing a slight variation to the graphics used.


Michael Jackson and Bubbles: The untold story

After viewing this documentary, it was clear that the type of documentary was mixed. This is because of the content through out, this being interviews, archive footage, narration and observation.

The themes included throughout this documentary consist of Michael Jackson and how he grew up and about his life. The documentary was mainly about his pet chimp Bubbles and about him being the most famous chimp in the world however he then had to go to a zoo and live behind bars.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/michael-jackson-and-bubbles-the-untold-story/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1 

This is a hyperlink to the website where the documentary is shown, as the documentary is no longer available, it gives a brief summary of what happens throughout.

Taking into account the narrative structure, the beginning talked about Bubble's being Michael's best friend. This made the audience sympathise with Michael it was said throughout the documentary that he was who he spent the most time with, then it being contradicted by Bubble's being put behind bars. The beginning also talks about how important Michael's love for animals was growing up and how he eventually gets Bubbles after wanting a chimp for so long.

The middle of the documentary however questions the audience as the documentary begins to ask whether Michael is just using for Bubbles for his own publicity. This is because Bubbles was an icon in the industry, appearing on TV shows and always being a part of the media. This question is showing conflict and makes the audience want to watch more.

The end of the documentary concentrates on Michael's sister, Latoya. Interviews with her take place and she is then re-united with Bubbles after Michael's death, this being very emotional and with the aim the affect the audience.

When considering camerawork, close up shots of interviews were used throughout, this shows the importance of the people being interviewed and what they have to say being relevant. In addition to the idea of showing importance, low angle shots are also used to show the importance of Bubbles. Zooms were also used to show the relevance of him in the documentary, furthermore, cut aways were used of bubbles all throughout to break up the action and keep the audience entertained.

The mise-en-scene consists of things relevant to the documentary. These include newspaper articles about Michael Jackson, these were at the beginning throughout the fast pace editing which showed the informal approach to the documentary. Furthering the idea of an informal approach, interviews took place in peoples houses, this making them feel more comfortable, therefore the audience feel more comfortable.
Photographs of Michael and Bubbles in black screens made to look like a camera film were used during the whole of the documentary, this was done to show the close relationship between them, this dramatising the themes as Bubbles and Michael are then later split up.
Also, when considering costume worn, a physcologist was wearing a red top, this is known as power dressing, showing that she was important by the connotations of the colour red. It also suggests what she is talking about being serious due to by what she is wearing.

The sound used throughout consisted of Michael Jackson songs in the background, this being relevant to the documentary. Dramatic music was also used to build tension when talking about the serious topic of Michael's childhood. In addition to this, sound effects of camera flashes were used when showing the cut away shots of the images of Michael and Bubbles. Also, natural sound is used during the interviews.

The editing throughout is done to make the documentary relevant to the theme. Further cut away shots of Bubbles are used, however these being based in the zoo where he is being kept. This is backing up what the zoo keeper is saying about his surroundings. Fast pace editing of clips of Michael Jackson is used at the beginning of the documentary, this gets the audience excited for what they are about to watch, the music included at the same time of this fast pace editing adds to this effect.

The documentary included a large amount of archive material due to the topic being about Michael Jackson. The archive material consisted of Michael being haunded by the press, footage of Bubbles on a the Dick Clark chat show, this showing his importance in the media at the time. Interviews with Michael and his dad from when he was younger were used, this showing the audience what he was like and giving them an insight to what growing up was like for him. Footage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles with Bubbles and Michael is also shown to further support the importance of Bubbles at the time. Furthermore, footage of Michael's concerts and music videos were used, this done to break up the action, but however show how popular he was.

This video is showing Bubbles being interviewed on national television, this showing how important and popular he actually was.

The graphics used were simple white graphics at first, however the words 'The Untold Story' being in red made it stand out and make the audience feel that it is actually the untold story and they would feel important like they are being told things that other people don't know. During the interviews, simple white graphics were placed at the bottom of the screen on the left hand side. In addition to this, red lines were shown across the screen during the film shots to make it look like an old movie, this showing the old photos.


9/11 State of emergency

The type of this documentary is mixed as it consists of interviews, archive material, narration and reconstruction.
The themes throughout the documentary is focused on the events of the 9/11 disaster, this being the story of what happened and real accounts from the survivor's.


The narrative structure of the documentary begins with introducing what actually happened on the day of the disaster. This will immediately alarm the audience and shock them into wanting to view more. The middle of the documentary is based on different reconstructions and stories from the survivor's explaining what happened to them and their personal experience. This was used as a shock element to the audience to make them empathise with them. The end of the documentary was a rounding up of peoples personal stories and how what happened has effected them and how their lives have been changed forever.

The camerawork used includes close ups during the interviews, this shows the importance of the people being interviewed, backing up the strong and brave people they are. Zooms of important places from the day, for example the Whitehouse are used. This showing a cut away shot, being of relevance to when the narrator is talking about the whitehouse. High angle shots are used of the places that were hit, this making them seem vulnerable, where in contradiction, low angle shots of the twin towers are shown as the planes crash into them, this showing the change in power and how the terrorists have become in control. Close up shots of where the places were hit are also used.

The mise-en-scene included consist of reconstructions of things that happened in the disaster. This is done to dramatise the action and make the audience feel like they were actually there and connect with the survivors. Cut away shots of relevant footage and images are used throughout, this is done to make the audience feel something towards what is happening and make them feel helpless as they cannot do anything. Family members were also interviewed, during which they got emotional, this therefore making the audience feel sorry for them.


Taking into account the sound, natural sound is used from the narrator and the interviews . Sound effects of drums are used within the reconstructions, this done to dramatise the footage. Fast music is used throughout to build tension, however in contrast to this, slow emotional music is used at the end to create a sad atmosphere. In addition to this, actual recordings of telephone calls from the day are used, this making the situation majorly affect the audience as it all seems more real.


The editing at the beginning of the documentary is fast pace, this showing the tension of the situation from the very start and trying to create a certain atmosphere for the audience. In addition to this, reconstructions are made to move quickly, making the action seem more frantic. Cut aways from one archive footage to different archive footage which is relevant to the narration is used throughout, this showing relevance of what is being said.

The archive material used is lots of handheld camera footage showing the planes crashing to the twin towers and other terrorist attack areas on that day. In addition to this, footage of George Bush, the president of the United States, finding out the news of the attack whilst he was talking in a school is shown. This makes the action further seem more real. Furthermore, in making the audience feel shocked, CCTV footage of the hijackers in the airports is featured, this showing the actual people before it had happened, possibly worrying the audience as it could happen at any time to them.

The graphics used were green military type graphics, this showing the importance of the documentary and how it isn't a simple subject and it is a very serious situation. The text then suddenly at the end changed to pink, this showing how quickly something can change. Also the connotation of the colour pink being vunerable, shows how the United States were a vunerable nation on the day of 9/11. Simple white text was used when telling the audience where something is, this was to not distract the audience of the place they were being shown.