Synopsis
Understanding how documentary cinema builds truth from real life
In Documentary Film, Paul Rotha examines how film creates meaning from real people and everyday settings.
The work contrasts the theatre world of acting with the camera’s unique powers, showing how documentary aims to depict real life rather than theatrical illusion.
The text explains that the cinema can isolate gestures, compare perspectives, and reshape moments through editing. It argues that actors in documentary are often treated as raw material, with the camera and editor shaping the final portrayal rather than relying on stage-style performance alone.
- How stage acting differs from screen acting and why that matters for documentary
- How editing and camera choices influence character and meaning
- Why portraying real people in their environments presents particular challenges
- The balance between natural performance and cinematic craft in documentary filmmaking
Ideal for readers of film history and those curious about the documentary movement and its methods.
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Documentary Film (Classic Reprint)
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HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9780331583892
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Documentary Film (Classic Reprint)
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HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9780331583892
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