The documentary follows Natasha, who was born biologically female but identifies as male. It shows her transition from living as a girl named Natasha to living fully as a boy named John through the use of testosterone treatments. The documentary uses a linear narrative structure and interviews to chronicle John's physical and emotional journey from childhood to young adulthood as he develops a male identity and appearance. Home videos, pictures, and stock footage are incorporated to illustrate how his gender expression has changed over time from stereotypically feminine to stereotypically masculine.

1. The Boy who was Born a Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?fea
ture=player_embedded&v=Ax7M2tIa
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2. Type of Documentary:
Mixed/ Self Reflective
Themes:
Gender
Stereotypes
Confusion
Narrative Structure:
Closed - The girl Natasha becomes a boy “John”
Linear - The documentary shows how “John” develops in time order
Camerawork:
Establishing shot of detached houses which suggest the documentary is set in a middle class area
A handheld camera is used throughout the documentary to make the audience seem more involved
The interviews are shot in medium close up, where the interviewee is either to the left or right of the
screen with the eye line 1/3 of the way down the screen, with the background being a shallow depth of
field
Low angle of “John” and mum on couch which suggests they have the power in the documentary
Zoom in off testosterone gel reinforces the development from girl to boy
Close up of ballet shoes is in contrast to the testosterone gel
High angle shot of mum which suggests that “John” has more power in the situation, which is reinforced
by a long shot of “John” and his mum whereby his mum is positioned facing his back
Close up of hand on wrist which suggesting comfort and love
Mise en Scene:
Interviews – reflecting something about life or occupation - doctor sat desk, in suit to suggest power
Johns bedroom pink which conflicts with the Marilyn Manson posters and skulls
Contrast of boy in school uniform at the start to a young man in a shirt at the end

3. Sound
Voiceover – narrator is the young boy “John”
Music reflected subject matter/mood
Fast paced music in the gym
Sad music at the beginning
Editing: Montage - pictures from girl to boy
Cuts - most common edit in documentary
Fade to black
Archive Material:
Pictures of Natasha
Videos of Natasha and the school sports day surrounded by boys
Home Videos
Websites
Stock footage - Street, gym, and roads
Graphics:
The title of the programme reflects the subject matter by using the gender symbols within
the title
Text – White, sans
The top line (name of person talking) is in bold and is slightly bigger than the second line
(occupation), aligned to the left.