Docufictions: Essays On The Intersection Of Documentary And Fictional Filmmaking

Gary Don Rhodes <I>and</I> John Parris Springer

ISBN 10: 0786421843 / ISBN 13: 9780786421848

Published by McFarland & Company, 2005

About this Item

Through most of the 20th century, the distinction between the fictional narrative film and the documentary was vigorously maintained. The documentary tradition developed side by side with, but in the shadow of, the more commercially successful feature film. In the latter part of the century, however, the two forms merged on occasion, and mockumentaries (fictional works in a documentary format) and docudramas (reality-based works in a fictional format) became part of the film and television landscape. The 18 essays here examine the relationships between narrative fiction films and documentary filmmaking, focusing on how each influenced the other and how the two were merged in such diverse films and shows as Citizen Kane, M*A*S*H, This Is Spinal Tap, and Destination Moon. Topics include the docudrama in early cinema, the industrial film as faux documentary, the fear evoked in 1950s science fiction films, the selling of "reality" in mockumentaries, and reality television and documentary forms. The essays provide a foundation for significant rethinking of film history and criticism, offering the first significant discussion of two emerging and increasingly important genres. 304 pages. Documentary-style films--History and criticism.

Seller Inventory # 064370

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Docufictions: Essays On The Intersection Of Documentary And Fictional Filmmaking
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0786421843
• ISBN 13: 9780786421848
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Fine
• Dimensions: 6.8W x 0.8H x 9.5D inches 6.8 inches width by 0.8 inches height by 9.5 inches depth
• Weight: 21 ounces
• Seller catalogs:
  • Cinema

About this title

Synopsis

Through most of the 20th century, the distinction between the fictional narrative film and the documentary was vigorously maintained. The documentary tradition developed side by side with, but in the shadow of, the more commercially successful feature film. In the latter part of the century, however, the two forms merged on occasion, and mockumentaries (fictional works in a documentary format) and docudramas (reality-based works in a fictional format) became part of the film and television landscape.

The 18 essays here examine the relationships between narrative fiction films and documentary filmmaking, focusing on how each influenced the other and how the two were merged in such diverse films and shows as Citizen Kane, M*A*S*H, This Is Spinal Tap, and Destination Moon. Topics include the docudrama in early cinema, the industrial film as faux documentary, the fear evoked in 1950s science fiction films, the selling of "reality" in mockumentaries, and reality television and documentary forms. The essays provide a foundation for significant rethinking of film history and criticism, offering the first significant discussion of two emerging and increasingly important genres.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

About the Authors

Gary D. Rhodes, a documentary filmmaker, is a professor at the Queen's University, Belfast.

John Parris Springer is a professor of English and film studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. He lives in Norman, Oklahoma.