What defines a documentary? Does it have to be non fiction or can it be fiction based on facts? During today’s tute, we were shown several examples of films made that are blurring the boundaries of what a documentary is supposed to be. Borat, Spinal Tap and Land Without Bread are some of the examples we were shown during tutorial. Some might say that these ‘mockumentaries’ are not considered documentaries at all because it is a parody and therefore features fictional characters and exaggerated facts to the point that it seems ridiculous.
It really is food for thought to think about what defines a documentary. According to the dictionary, a documentary is:
However, it can be said that these mockumentaries are a documentation about documentaries itself. I personally feel that a documentary has to be based on real facts even though it involves a fictional character or even if it’s done in a a funny and unexpected way. As long as the events reported in the documentary is fact, I think it is considered a documentary.
I haven’t seen it, but my brother told me about this documentary called “Super High Me” which was inspired by “Super Size Me“, the documentary that became a catalyst for the movement towards healthier eating. Super High Me is about a comedian, Doug Benson, who consumes marijuana for 30 days. Apparently it’s not bad…
Transient Space & Time. 