1. My chosen style of documentary is Dispatches. The show reflects a hard hitting
journalistic approach, focusing on issues within and outside the UK. Dispatches
is featured regularly on channel four. My first chosen analysis is ‘Dispatches: In
God’s Name’, which first featured in 2008 and focused on the growing Christian
fundamentalist movement in the UK. The story follows several of the groups key
members, as well as providing us with a general overview of the group.

2. Camera work- Several mid shots are
used throughout the beginning
sequence, showing some of the
members holding placards depicting
particularly offensive views.
Introduction –
One of the opening shots focuses on
what the interviewer describes as the
growing number of ‘British hard-line
Christians’, who hold demonstrations
against controversial topics such as
gay rights and abortions. The voice
over is delivered in a serious tone but
is done to inform audiences, by
detailing background information on
the Christian fundamentalist
movement. Representation - However these shots are
purposeful in creating a negative representation of
the fundamentalist movement from the outset, by
showing these dedicated followers congregating on
the streets to publicly voice their strong views on
gay rights.

3.  Camera work- Hand held camera
work is used to capture part of the
demonstration. By using a hand held
camera it adds to the chaos and
disarray surrounding the activists.
Hand held camera work is also a
common feature in all forms of
documentaries.
Lighting - is particularly dark and dingy
which connotes the idea that there is a
darker truth behind these hard line
Christian fundamentalists, which has yet
to be uncovered.
Camera shots - Close up shots are a common
occurrence throughout the documentary including here.
They effectively display the individual’s emotions and
facial expressions when talking about issues close to
the heart.

4. There are several one on By having the interviews take place in a
one interview’s with key home environment, this makes the
members of the Christian documentary more personal and
fundamentalist movement, intimate, as the audience can forge a
throughout the programme. greater connection with these
individuals.
It also creates this sense of normality and day to day life by showing
them in their natural environment. The mid shot is directly eye level,
allowing the audience to feel as if they are having a personable
conversation with the individual on camera.

5. Dispatches often looks to go beneath the surface to
find the hidden story and this documentary is no
different, as we are taken deeper into the world of
Christian fundamentalists. The guest presenter often
uses the voice over to air his scepticism surrounding
the group and its key individuals. However, he also
provides audiences with background information and
facts to inform the viewing public.

6. Most of the key members of the Christian fundamentalist are
presented in a negative light throughout the documentary. This
negative image stems from the very first demonstration, to
them handing out leaflets concerning their views on gay rights.
There are various close ups used to display the individuals
facial expressions. However, many of the shots used display
an individual presenting angry facial gestures, suggesting they
should be viewed as an aggressive fundamentalist movement.
There is the sense that Dispatches looks to ridicule the
group by exposing them in a negative way. Some of the
key members of the movement are often presented in a
hostile and unwelcoming manner.

7. Camera Shots - A point of view shot is used while travelling
alongside Andrea Williams, who is a key figure of the lawyer’s
Christian fellowship, often responsible for organising various
demonstrations. The shot is used to allow us to see the world
through Andrea eyes and look at her perspective of events and
views.
Interview Style - Andrea is faced with much scrutinisation from
the guest presenter with deliberate questions such as ‘how old
the world is?’ As many are aware Christians have unique
views concerning such issues such as evolution. Even though
the question is used to evoke a reaction, it is also stereotypical
of a hard hitting documentary, to ask the often difficult
questions.
Setting – This is key as the camera
crew are travelling alongside her
while driving, giving us the sense that
we are also taking part in her journey,
as we follow her daily life.

8. In some documentaries which surround
particularly controversial issues, it is not
uncommon for people to wish to remain
anonymous. One scene features a
woman who wished not to be identified
but spoke of her disapproval of the
fundamentalist movement on camera,
adding further to their negative
representation.
In addition, there was yet another individual
who wished to remain anonymous but spoke at
a conference. The unnamed individual told of
how he turned away from his Islamic faith to
become a fully fledged Christian. On screen text
also appears, this is a common feature in a
documentary.

9. Voice Over - Often the voice over will continue over
several different shots. This is done to build pace
and create a theme of continuality, as we delve
deeper into the unfolding story. However, the voice
over is often negative with the presenter conveying
his scepticism of the group leading us further to a
negative representation.
Music - Non diegetic music can be heard in the beginning
sequences as the story opens, creating a dramatic impact. In one of
the last scenes we are presented with a shot of a waving flag
accompanied by members of the church singing. The camera
remains focused on the flag while they continue to sing. This is
symbolic as it shows the church are united and strong in their
beliefs, despite the growing hostility towards their movement, as the
views they share continually contradict those held by secular
society.