Catfish documentary

2. Type of documentary
Mixed
Catfish is a mixed documentary because it uses a
combination of interviews, observation and narration. The
narrator, Yaniv Schulman referred to as ‘Nev’ in the
documentary is always within the frame.

3. Themes
• Paintings
One of the themes in the documentary is paintings because
throughout we constantly hear conversations about
paintings and we see pictures of them.
• Love
Love is a theme in this documentary because the boys have
love for each other and Nev has love for Angelia and her
family as we see through the conversations they have.

4. Themes
• Photography
We see this theme in this documentary as Nev has a passion
for taking pictures therefore he goes to many dance
shows etc to take images.
• Online dating
Online dating is a theme in this documentary because that’s
the method Nev uses to contact ‘Megan’ as well as
phone calls and texting.

5. Narrative structure
In this documentary we see a closed structure. This is
because at the end we are not left with no questions
answered as everything gets sorted out and we find
out who is real and who is not therefore everything
has been solved.
This type of documentary is linear because it all goes it
chronological order from when Nev first gets in
contact with the family.
It’s also open structure because we are able to make a
judgement whether what they are saying is true or
not.
Lastly, we see a multi stranded structure because we
see more than one story being shown.

6. Camera work
 Close up
We are introduced to a close up in this documentary which
draws are attention in because it enables us to focus to
specific detail and could represent that something serious
may be coming up therefore they need more focus.
 Extreme close up
Extreme close ups are used to give the documentary our full
attention and create a dramatic effect.

7. Camera work
 Handheld camera
Handheld cameras are often used in this documentary which
help show the realism of it. It also shows how it’s all real
because we can see the camera can be a bit fuzzy
showing how they are filming it their selves which also
shows how there all involved.
 Two shot
The use of two shots in this documentary help show the
relationship between people and shows peoples reactions
with each other.

8. Camera work
 Low angle shot
Low angle shots are used in this documentary to give viewers
a different view of what's happening.
 Zoom in
The use of the camera zooming in gives the viewers the idea
of getting more information and finding out more as it
zooms in to show us.
 Long shot
Long shots are used to show us more to what it seems than
one image. We are able to find more things out and see
things like the location.

9. Mise-En-Scene
In the documentary we see various uses of the Mise-En-Scene.
One thing we see is the use of props being used which
include; dolls, paintings, camera’s, laptops etc.
We also see the use of clothing being used appropriately. For
example when the group go over to the beach we see the
children wearing swimming clothes.
We see the use of body language also appropriate for example
when Nic opens up to Angela about the truth she puts her
head in her arms which brings the idea across that she is
ashamed of her actions.
We also see different locations being used which include the
beach, being in the car travelling, and in houses. These
locations help set the scene and help tell the
story.

10. Sound
In this documentary we hear different sounds being used. One
type of sound we hear is a soundtrack which is non diegetic
sound. The use of the soundtrack which we hear various
times in the documentary is upbeat which creates a lively
tone and by using a soundtrack at the very start of it
creates a happy feel for the viewers watching it. The music
changes several times throughout the documentary which
mimics each specific mood of each scene.
We also hear diegetic sound which is off mainly Nev talking
but the use of this enables us to follow what happens.
Throughout the documentary we hear several noises of if
someone was clicking their computer mouse. This noise is
much louder than it really is which could be to show tell
viewers he’s on the computer or to reinforce the idea of
Nev always being on the computer.

11. Editing
Throughout the documentary we see little bits of editing that
have been done. One type of editing technique we see is
the use of flashbacks. The use of flashbacks give the viewers
an idea of peoples personality and their lifestyle before the
documentary was made. Flashbacks are also a good way to
remember old memories that may have been forgotten.
In between different scenes and locations we see cuts being
used. The cuts emphasise the change of scene or location
and take us on to the next.

12. Archive material
 Magazines – used to look at article.
 Google maps street view – to find the supposed gallery which
holds Abbie's art.
 Facebook – used to find Angela and her family, to see pictures
of them and to connect them.
 Youtube – used to find music that Megan said was her own
material.

13. Graphics
Text on screen is one of the graphics used in
this documentary. The use of this enables us
to follow what’s happening through reading
the text. The text pops up and informs us
readers what's just happened therefore it
gives us a quick summary. The text is useful
because if viewers are unsure of the
situation the text informs us and clarifies it.