| Description |
Though the cinema is primarily accepted as a platform for fictional, narrative works, the properties of the medium lend themselves not only to reconstruction, but also examination of life. This paper is a companion to the short film sXe, which strives to capture and examine life, not contrive and replicate it as do most mainstream films. The paper is divided into four parts: First, a historical background tracing the cinema verite documentary style from the birth of the medium to its present influences. This includes a survey of prominent documentary films and filmmakers influential to the production of sXe. Second, an examination of documentary characteristics - the myths, presuppositions and potential of the genre. This is accomplished through detailed stylistic analysis of several of the works referenced in the historical survey. Third, the application of documentary theories, styles, and examination in sXe, a short film in the verite tradition. And lastly, a detailed structural synopsis of sXe, including analysis of the filmmaker's methodology. Because sXe is an artistic work (and this is the artist's self-critique), this paper has no absolute conclusion, per se, but rather the confirmation that life is the stuff drama is made of, and that the cinema verite film draws this drama from the reality of life itself. |
