2. Type of documentary and its themes
• This documentary was a mixed documentary
because it had a variety of content including:
interviews, observation and narration.
• The main theme of the documentary was
mummification as this is what it was focused
on.
• Other themes were also science and history
along with family values.
3. Narrative Structure
• The narrative structure of ‘Mummifying Alan’
was linear as it followed the story from the
beginning. Although Alan is shown and heard
in parts even though he is dead.
• It is a single strand narrative as it focuses on
mummification.
• It also has a closed narrative because at the
end of the programme all of the questions are
answered.
4. Cinematography
• Conventional interview set up is used for the
interviews: framing the subject to left or right
of the frame.
• Close ups are used on significant objects. For
example, close ups on Mummy’s came often
and close ups on Alan were used throughout
the documentary.
• Various shots were used on Alan including:
ariel shots, tracking shots and depth of field.
5. Cinematography
• Establishing shots of Egypt were used at the
beginning of the documentary to signify the
importance of Egypt.
• There was also establishing shots of Sheffield
and Torquay as they were significant cities in
the documentary.
6. Mise-en-scene
• The main mise-en-scene is the laboratory and its
plainness along with the science coats of the
scientists and investigators.
• As said before, there is footage filmed in Egypt
and this shows relevance to Egypt and where
mummification started and what the
documentary is about.
• Apart from these two main settings, there is
some parts of the documentary filmed in homes
and in some museums.
7. Sound
• The first piece of music used in the
documentary was Egyptian music which
proves relevance to the main themes.
• A standard English voice over is used to
illustrate what is happening.
• Vox pops are used at the start of the
programme to create enigma for the
audience.
8. Sound
• Orchestral music is often used in the
documentary to reflect on the theme of
history.
• Alan’s voice is taken from interviews in the
past and put as a voice over throughout the
documentary as well.
9. Editing
• Mainly cuts are used.
• CGI is used to show inside of Alan’s body and
the medical procedures that are not possible
to see naturally. X-ray images are also used.
• As with the sound, Alan’s voice is put as a
voice over, over images of his body.
• Fast motion is used to lapse time over
establishing shots of the cities.
10. Archive Material
• There isn’t much archive material in this
documentary apart from two things.
• Images of Stephen’s, the scientist, written
analysis of mummification is shown
highlighting certain important words.
• Also, actuality/handheld footage is taken from
a female Egyptologist who films tombs in
Egypt.
11. Graphics
• No graphics were used for interviewees or
their relevance as the narrator explains it all.
• There are no graphics to indicate time or place
either throughout the entire documentary.
• The only graphic used is the title in between
adverts.
