Documentary Research

A Story Within a Story The concepts that were analyzed by Aguayo and Canella  were explicitly recognized  throughout Strong Island, a film directed by Yance Ford. These elements, within the documentary, allowed for there to be an appropriate balance between a compelling story while tackling major systemic issues. As discussed in class, the concept of vitality was a major element of projection as well as promotion. According to the slides, vitality can be described as the ability for the film … Continue reading “Blog Post #5”

Lange’s Special Eye “Centerville, California. This evacuee stands by her baggage as she waits for the evacuation bus. Evacuees of Japanese ancestry will be housed in war relocation authority centers for the duration.” Photographer: Dorothea Lange. Date: May 9, 1942. Local ID: 210-G-C241(NAID 537588) The courageous and charismatic character of Dorthea Lange is one of the many strengths that propelled her successful photography career. Throughout the film, Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning, Lange’s passion for capturing true emotion … Continue reading “Blog Post #4”

A Stigmatized Community  Throughout the film, Stranger with a Camera directed by Elizabeth Barret, numerous concepts of location were analyzed in order to successfully examine the events that took place. The beginning of the film was intentionally formatted to describe the specific dynamic, in complete context, of eastern Kentucky in 1967. This initial management of social location was effectively inserted for the use of depicting the social climate throughout this time period.“What is the difference between how people see their … Continue reading “Blog Post #3”

Building Bridges… Not Burning Them! After completing both readings, there have been several developments within my understanding of documentary work as a whole. The Nichol’s chapter has definitely allowed me to gain more insight into the framework of documentary filmmaking and the necessary factors that a successful documentary must possess. The idea of appropriately depicting a subject’s experience, or situation, was a concept that was definitely emphasized throughout the text. The first point in which I saw developments was throughout … Continue reading “Blog Post #2”

The Inequitable Dynamic of Long Island Throughout the course of Strong Island, filmmaker Yance Ford uses multiple elements of strategic sequencing in order to capture the audience’s attention. The criminal act that took place in Central Islip, on Long Island New York, was thoroughly interpreted by Ford family as well as close friends. This detailed interpretation covered all aspects from William Ford’s personal diary; as well as the history of their family growing up in a racially unjust society. It … Continue reading “Blog Post #1”