Documentary Sup Undefined

by Marsha McCreadie

The first book to trace the rise of documentaries as mainstream entertainmentWhen did documentaries get glamorous? Documentary Superstars looks at the history of documentaries and traces their transition from hands-off to in your face. Exclusive interviews with Michael Moore, Morgan Spurlock, Errol Morris, George Clooney, Sacha Baron Cohen, Morgan Freeman, Al Gore, and more of the biggest names in the field show the impact of the documentary style on mainstream movies and on our society. From cinema verite to the inserted narrator, from the “balanced” point of view to the charismatic commentator (a la Fahrenheit 9/11), to the documentarian starring in his own narrative (as in Supersize Me) to filmmakers’ innovative use of cameos, pseudocameos, and archival footage, and much more, Documentary Superstars examines the way in which this evolving art form has changed—and changed us. Newfound box-office clout makes documentaries big business Interviews with Michael Moore, Morgan Spurlock, Al Gore, Sacha Baron Cohen, more Includes career advice for new documentary filmmakers

256 pages, Unknown Binding

First published February 23, 2010

Reviews

[Nicola Lees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating history of the evolution of documentary that divides filmmakers and their films into various categories and explores the key markers of each of these different documentary sub-genres. Interviews with filmmakers provide illuminating and entertaining insights into their thought processes and reveals the intellectual tensions between different practitioners.

[Richard Azia]

An up to date look at the documentary genre and those who produce content.