1. Documentary 2011 Revision June 06, 2011
General Handout
Key questions
Key scenes
Examples essay
Example exam questions
Tips for reaching level 4
Definition: Exam questions
1) Compare different documentary techniques employed to
present the 'real', discussing their impact on the spectator. Refer
to at least two documentaries you have studied.
2) Do you agree that as spectators we are more likely to accept
At
the
centre
of
all
documentaries
is
realism.
at face value what we see and hear in documentary films?
They
claim
to
show
‘reality
as
reality
is’.
They
don’t.
3) Watching real people and real events in documentaries
The
portray
versions
of
reality
which
suggests
points
of
view
creates a very particular relationship between the spectator and
about
what
they
are
showing. the screen.’ How far has this been your experience of the films
you have studied for this topic?
4) ‘The best documentaries are the ones that make their point of
view clear.’ How far do you agree?

2. Documentary 2011 Revision June 06, 2011
Q: Are we more likely to accept what we see or hear in Documentary films?
More Exam Questions
I do agree with this statement, that we as a spectator are more likely to accept
5) What are some of the particular ways in which documentaries what we see and hear in documentary films. There are a number of different
challenge a spectator who is more familiar with fictional film? reasons why.
6) Compare some of the ways in which different documentaries Firstly, documentary films whole agenda is to represent a point or event,
you have studied raise important issues about spectatorship. whether it be political, social or cultural. A documentary film is marketed and
represented as a reflection of actuality, therefore audiences accept that the
documentary film is truthful, whether they agree or disagree is another point.
7) ‘Documentaries work on the spectator in ways that are very The different styles of documentary films can be said to ‘shape’ and even
close to fiction films, using narrative and character to create ‘manipulate’ audiences acceptance of what they see or hear in a documentary
film.
drama and suspense.’ With reference to the documentaries you
have studied, discuss how far you agree with this statement.
Because documentary films are a reflection of actuality, audiences believe
them to be a reflection of the truth.
8) Are we more likely to accept what we see or hear in
Documentary films?
key scenes

3. Documentary 2011 Revision June 06, 2011
Key
questions:
Level 4
1. Does
the
presenter/voiceover
attempt
to
persuade
audiences
of
a
point
of
view?
Candidates will be distinguished by an excellent knowledge and confident
2. What
kind
of
language
is
used?
(emotive?
guiding
us
to
think
in
a
particular
way?) understanding of the critical issues they choose to engage with.
3. What
kinds
of
interviewees
are
used?
Ordinary
people/experts?
Do
we
believe
They will be able to make very detailed, accurate and precise reference to
some
more
than
others? specific films and cinemas.
4. If
there
is
a
presenter
or
people
being
interviewed,
what
image
is
given
to
them?
Work will be structured highly effectively.
(dress,
physical
image,
body
language,
backdrop
against
which
they
are
Gilmed?)
There will be evidence of a clear and distinctive 'voice' developing.
5. How
does
camerawork
affect
your
point
of
view
about
what/who
is
being
Gilmed?
There will clear evidence of a high level of understanding of film and film
6. If
visual
effects
are
used,
how
do
they
affect
your
point
of
view? issues and an excellent ability to apply that understanding through coherent
analysis of film and the critical and contextual issues relating to them.
7. How
is
editing
used?
Are
your
attitudes
to
people
affected
by
the
editing?(length
of
shots/scenes,
placing
contrasting
scenes
next
to
one
another
t
make
a
point,
cutaways)
Quality of written communication will be excellent.
8. How
does
turning
the
subject
of
a
documentary
into
a
‘story’
affect
the
subject?
9. Does
the
documentary
style
affect
how
you
think
about
the
people
portrayed/the
It will be very fluent, well-structured and accurate, showing signs of
subject
of
the
documentary? sophistication.