The Impact of Documentary Films: Reflections and Insights

Introduction

Documentary films have a profound impact on their viewers, offering unique perspectives and deep insights into various aspects of human life, society, and history. Mollie Dineen, a renowned director, emphasizes the importance of content-driven storytelling over narrative-led narratives, as seen in her work with the ZSL Zoological Society of London. Through careful editing and minimal voiceover, Dineen allows her films to tell their own stories, a technique that resonates with many viewers who appreciate the raw and unfiltered nature of such documentaries.

Documentary Insights: The ZSL Zoological Society of London Film

Reflecting on her work, Mollie Dineen shares that her first film on the ZSL Zoological Society of London stands out. This film, which lacked voiceover, relied entirely on the visuals to convey its message. Shot from footage of a farm in Ireland during a BBC/RTE shoot, the film captured a disturbing scene where the Gardai (Irish police) had found and broken wooden barrels across a farmyard, leading to a large, drunk farm animal scene. The sparse and raw footage allowed the audience to experience the story in a more emotional and impactful way, devoid of the convenience of a voiceover pointing out the obvious.

The minimalistic approach to storytelling, as demonstrated in this film, encourages viewers to engage with the content more deeply, allowing them to form their own interpretations and conclusions. This technique is often seen as a return to a more authentic and thought-provoking form of documentary filmmaking, freeing the story from the constraints of linear narrative structures.

Shoah: A Powerful Document of Human Inhumanity

Among the most impactful documentaries, Shoah stands out as a powerful narrative filled with interviews of real witnesses, survivors, and Nazis of the Holocaust. Directed by Claude Lanzmann, the documentary is a monumental 9.5-hour-long work that covers the events leading up to and during the Holocaust. It is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who shared their harrowing experiences, providing a vivid and unflinching look at one of the darkest periods in human history.

The documentary, although not the most entertaining, is a crucial piece of information that should be seen. As Roger Ebert noted in his 4/4 star review, Siskel praised it as the best movie of 1985, yet Ebert excluded it from his top list because he deemed it too significant to rank among other films. This underscores the documentary's importance and the gravity of its subject matter.

Civil War: Humanizing a Broad Topic

Another powerful documentary is Ken Burns' series on the American Civil War. Burns, known for his detailed and immersive approach to historical subjects, humanized the cost and impact of the war in a way that made it accessible and emotionally compelling. Through expert interviews and vivid storytelling, the series provided a rich and nuanced understanding of this pivotal event in American history. The stories of the soldiers and civilians involved brought the events to life, making the documentary both educational and moving.

Conclusion

Documentary films, particularly those that prioritize content and impact, have the power to deeply affect viewers. Films like Shoah, the ZSL Zoological Society of London film, and Ken Burns' Civil War series demonstrate the ability of these works to inspire reflection, educate, and humanize historical and social issues. For many, including myself, these films are not just entertainment but are vital pieces of history and storytelling that should be shared with a wider audience.