Mind Opening
“By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us into action. Such films do battles for our very soul.” This quote by Theodore Bikel, an Australian-American actor and activist, summarizes the importance of documentaries for the world. Documentaries have evolved over the years from simple historical narrative into stimulating informational films. In Stephen King’s essay, “Why We Crave Horror Movies,” he lists why people enjoy unpredictable plots and having their emotions stirred. Similar to these horrific movies, documentaries are now noted for their thought-provoking, arbitrary storylines. Like horror films, it is not necessarily …show more content…
The term “documentary” has become a vague term due to the plethora of topics accessible. The wide variety of film allows anyone to find a subject he/she is finds interesting. Films about wildlife, foods, ethnic groups, historical events, and politics are only a fraction of the documentaries available. The extensive amount of documentaries available helps a viewer attain an open mind about several subjects. For instance, if a viewer watches a film about animals in the rainforest, it may spark curiosity about the environmental issues the rainforest faces. Filmmakers want their viewers to be knowledgeable with issues happening across the globe. Because of the substantial amount of films offered, documentaries are a great tool for teachers in today’s society. Technological advancements through computers and internet allow students to engage in a subject visually and are a great way to receive information without using a book. Students today have grown up in a visually oriented world surrounded by movies and videos. Visual learning is a method that students have adapted to and teachers should make the transition to increase student interest in a subject. Documentaries allow a viewer to fully engage visually and auditorily in a topic, while a book only lets a viewer create an image of what it might be like. The visuals help a viewer stay invested in the information. A …show more content…
Several documentaries are created to shed light on topics that have been pushed aside. These eye-opening films can give an insight on topics that are not discussed regularly in the news. Because of the visual aspect, the evidence given is more powerful than any other form of media. Filmmakers have began to take these ignored topics and present them to the public. This bold movement has allowed viewers to see different points of view among all subjects. Although often controversial, the films help society see issues in their world. Imagine watching a documentary on the cruel treatment of livestock and the slaughtering process. Films like this one stir emotions but expose the truth. Along with stirring emotions of society, these filmmakers have an innovative way of uncovering the truth in their films. From digging into the life of the Suri tribe, revealing the truths of sugar in everyday diet, and uncovering the housing crash of 2008, filmmakers choose unfamiliar topics to make a point. They choose the issues that they know are not discussed enough and will kindle a spark in society. Robert Bresson, a French film director, once said, “Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.” Creators choose subjects that seem irrelevant or unimportant but when revealed in a film, it could become brilliantly exposed. Importantly, documentaries allow filmmakers to express their freedom of
“By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us into action. Such films do battles for our very soul.” This quote by Theodore Bikel, an Australian-American actor and activist, summarizes the importance of documentaries for the world. Documentaries have evolved over the years from simple historical narrative into stimulating informational films. In Stephen King’s essay, “Why We Crave Horror Movies,” he lists why people enjoy unpredictable plots and having their emotions stirred. Similar to these horrific movies, documentaries are now noted for their thought-provoking, arbitrary storylines. Like horror films, it is not necessarily …show more content…
The term “documentary” has become a vague term due to the plethora of topics accessible. The wide variety of film allows anyone to find a subject he/she is finds interesting. Films about wildlife, foods, ethnic groups, historical events, and politics are only a fraction of the documentaries available. The extensive amount of documentaries available helps a viewer attain an open mind about several subjects. For instance, if a viewer watches a film about animals in the rainforest, it may spark curiosity about the environmental issues the rainforest faces. Filmmakers want their viewers to be knowledgeable with issues happening across the globe. Because of the substantial amount of films offered, documentaries are a great tool for teachers in today’s society. Technological advancements through computers and internet allow students to engage in a subject visually and are a great way to receive information without using a book. Students today have grown up in a visually oriented world surrounded by movies and videos. Visual learning is a method that students have adapted to and teachers should make the transition to increase student interest in a subject. Documentaries allow a viewer to fully engage visually and auditorily in a topic, while a book only lets a viewer create an image of what it might be like. The visuals help a viewer stay invested in the information. A …show more content…
Several documentaries are created to shed light on topics that have been pushed aside. These eye-opening films can give an insight on topics that are not discussed regularly in the news. Because of the visual aspect, the evidence given is more powerful than any other form of media. Filmmakers have began to take these ignored topics and present them to the public. This bold movement has allowed viewers to see different points of view among all subjects. Although often controversial, the films help society see issues in their world. Imagine watching a documentary on the cruel treatment of livestock and the slaughtering process. Films like this one stir emotions but expose the truth. Along with stirring emotions of society, these filmmakers have an innovative way of uncovering the truth in their films. From digging into the life of the Suri tribe, revealing the truths of sugar in everyday diet, and uncovering the housing crash of 2008, filmmakers choose unfamiliar topics to make a point. They choose the issues that they know are not discussed enough and will kindle a spark in society. Robert Bresson, a French film director, once said, “Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.” Creators choose subjects that seem irrelevant or unimportant but when revealed in a film, it could become brilliantly exposed. Importantly, documentaries allow filmmakers to express their freedom of