Documentaries R Us

A documentary has a style and fluidity of its very own. The language, the characters and the central theme are important in capturing the audience and keeping it entertained. It’s a human story. Documentaries subject matter varies from one of horror to one of laughter, but always worth the watch. Grab your popcorn!

Looking at how human nature reacts to different situations is the formula I use when choosing the evening viewing. Does it have a central person, or persons, fighting for or against something? The best example to start with is “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”. If you liked the detail of his dreams and perseverance to be the best then dribble to “Tony Parker: The Final Shot”. Another great story with bumps and the support of the nation behind him. The connection that people have to their profession, to excel in that profession and the rewards associated.

If you liked where those documentaries were taking you then you switch gears to intrigue. If you liked “Sour Grapes” then you will really enjoy “Made You Look: A True Story of Fake Art.” Both are stories of crimes again the millionaires of our society and how their cons grew. Thrilling viewing and a look into how certain parts of society judge each other. Fascinating in what an artist is worth versus what they are actually trying to portray. Humans and the ultimate con; no lesson learned in this one..

Switching to a different branch of human nature, True Crime. If you were shocked at the trajectory of “Team Foxcatcher” then you have to watch “Mommy Dead and Dearest”. Using the strengths of the human body to breakdown their dreams, their hopes and their sanity. You see great people put into disturbing situations. When you trust in someone, how do you know that there are too many secrets? To you shut your eyes, clamp your mouth and stuff your ears?

Jump to tears. You cry for the people involved and you cry for the outcomes. If you flooded your living room with tissue through “Three Identical Strangers” then you must watch “Tell Me Who I Am”. While you are sniffling through the home movies and the smiles from the reunions, you will continue to cry. Family will always be family; something you can never take away.

If you want to know the psychology behind the killers, what can build a killer. If you watched “This is the Zodiac Speaking” then you have to jump straight to “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes”. If you do not get chills running up and down your spine, you may need to watch another, “Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer”. The rage, the brutality and the ultimate end to all of these murders will make you think.

Then there is the a category that can only be described as WTF! If you watched “Voyeur” (and you must!) then you need take a look at “Don’t f**k with Cats”. The strange, the weird and those that should have had a lot more time with a counsellor. These documentaries with make you question how strange uses of technology and attention seekers can turn to horrific.

Some movies just catch your attention and will not let go. If you liked “The Witness” then you have to get comfortable and watch “Making a Murderer”. Heart pounding, sad and questioning every aspect of the investigations that followed. Question you; question the facts and download “The Keepers” for more questions..

The last is the ridiculous theme. If you liked “Fyre” then you need to see “The Inventor”. Both are movies about promising things that are not possible. What we choose to believe versus what we can actually provide. The idea was too delicious to let go of, from the journalist to the investors.

Now pick a new documentary theme and try something real to life.