Rethinking Documentary: New Perspectives and Practices: New Perspectives and Practices

by Thomas Austin

From a boom in theatrical features to footage posted on websites such as YouTube and Google Video, the early years of the 21st century have witnessed significant changes in the technological, commercial, aesthetic, political, and social dimensions of documentaries on film, television and the web. In response to these rapid developments, this book rethinks the notion of documentary, in terms of theory, practice and object/s of study. Drawing together 26 original essays from scholars and practitioners, it critically assesses ideas and constructions of documentary and, where necessary, proposes new tools and arguments with which to examine this complex and shifting terrain. Covering a range of media output, the book is divided into four Critical perspectives on documentary forms and concepts The changing faces of documentary production Contemporary borders, neighbours and disputed territories Digital and online opportunities and limitations Rethinking Documentary is valuable reading for scholars and students working in documentary theory and practice, film studies, and media studies.

376 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2008

Reviews

[Vika Gardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, the chapters on internet materials and especially YouTube are very out of date, and the whole thing seems to be quite centered on the US, with little acknowledgement of other cultures, languages, etc.