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A review by divineblkpearl
Introduction to Documentary by Bill Nichols
4.0
So this was a textbook that I had to have for a Documentary Film class. It worked with my instructor's lectures of different themes and aspects of Doc film and of course, the history. The chapter were LONG, yet each chapter proved its weight in gold when it came to educating me on all the backstory I needed as someone having very little knowledge about documentary film.
I actually have an interest in reading more about documentary film and seeking out doc film to watch and share with others, go figure. What I really want to place an emphasis on is the relevance of the material: the author doesn't just stick to older films in the past--there's a good mix of older and newer films and a critical eye of intersectionality when it comes to films about and by marginalized communities (which also goes back to the ethics chapter and sections about that) Trouble The Water, Paris Is Burning, Hoop Dreams, Anthem, Maquilapolis, are just a few films mentioned and elaborated on in a wider lense of the many people who make up film, documentary film and who is filmed. I'm a student so I purchased a kindle copy of this book but who recommend a print copy for those interested.
I actually have an interest in reading more about documentary film and seeking out doc film to watch and share with others, go figure. What I really want to place an emphasis on is the relevance of the material: the author doesn't just stick to older films in the past--there's a good mix of older and newer films and a critical eye of intersectionality when it comes to films about and by marginalized communities (which also goes back to the ethics chapter and sections about that) Trouble The Water, Paris Is Burning, Hoop Dreams, Anthem, Maquilapolis, are just a few films mentioned and elaborated on in a wider lense of the many people who make up film, documentary film and who is filmed. I'm a student so I purchased a kindle copy of this book but who recommend a print copy for those interested.