Monumental Mockumentary

There is something oddly satisfying about seeing a boom mic drop into the frame, or the fourth wall being awkwardly broken. Most satisfying of all is the truly fantastical concepts made in the documentary film style, without being, real, at all. That being said, what is more exciting than a satirical mockumentary film?

If you enjoy the genre of mockumentaries, it is easy to see how these films really strike at the heartstrings of out loud laughter and provide cinematic gold for the home viewer. Mockumentaries are made with the dryness of cold white wine, and the whimsy of some genuinely talented individuals.

Christopher Guest has really cemented himself in the annals of history as one of the most profound mockumentary film makers. Who could forget such classics as A Mighty Wind, or Best in Show?

As it turns out though he is not the only mockumentary filmmaker in the world, as was previously believed. It is also of note that the foremost mockumentary director in the world does not in fact enjoy the term mockumentary. As it turns out we will not even be discussing a Christopher Guest film today.

This author does house great respect for Mr. Guest and his contribution to the expansion of this genre over time. It is believed no modern mockmentary deserves a comment without first a firm nod to Mr. Guest. There it is.

The magic is really in the details with these films that aptly named, mock, the documentary film style, while leaving the viewer with belly aching bouts of laughter.

If you love these types of films, you have indubitably watched Clement and Waititi's 2014 classic, What We Do In The Shadows.

This hit film from New Zealand follows a small coven of modern Vampires through their daily lives and adaptation to living in the 2000's. The film crew even gives insight into the modern metamorphoses of a new vampire after the 18th century, a process few outside of the Vampirical Community had ever been witness to. The film is a feat and honestly paints the scene for non-vampirical types as to how Vampires survive in the wilderness of the modern world.

10 out of 10 would recommend this film. The film was such a success that 2 television spin-offs have emerged from the cinematic triumph.

If you have not seen What We Do In The Shadows, it should be the next film in your queue. If you have seen this absolute banger of a mockumentary, then your next watch should be the critically acclaimed Documentary Now.

Documentary Now which streams on Netflix, premiered in 2015 and has produced 3 seasons, with a 4th on the way. Documentary Now delivers hard hitting mockumentary film making in bitesize pieces.

Each episode brings to life a 20 minute mockumentary segment that highlights and entrancingly slaughters a fine work of actual documentary history, all in news magazine format.

Not only is the show hilarious, but it really digs in deep on themes that are often overlooked in actual documentaries. Things like the pretentiousness of film makers, and the dangers of documentary journalism are shown with the utmost exaggeration.

The show even gives the viewer a false sense of security and prevarication of legitimacy as the very talented Helen Mirren pulls you into the subterfuge at the beginning of each episode.

Spoof Comedy is not for everyone, it is an acquired taste. Mockumentary as a function of Spoof Comedy is definitely not for comedy beginners, as many of the jokes and references will certainly fly over the head of a standard plebeian.

If you love it already and you are not afraid of the dark comedy, decidedly pop What We Do In The Shadows on the list followed swiftly by every episode of Documentary Now.